Former President and NDC Presidential Candidate, John Mahama, has criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their absence at the National Peace Campaign launch on Sunday.

Mr Mahama argued that their attendance was crucial, given their role in ensuring national security and peace.

According to Mahama, he canceled a rally in Karaga in the Northern region to attend the peace event in Accra, only to find both the President and Vice President absent.

He stressed the importance of the President and Vice President prioritising peace efforts, particularly amid rising concerns about security.

He noted that upon inquiring about their absence, he was informed that Dr. Bawumia was attending a youth program focused on employment strategies.

“When I arrived at the event, the President was absent, same as Vice President. You're the ones responsible for the security or the safety of the people. So, if peace talks are ongoing, it is necessary to leave everything you're doing to join."

Challenging the NPP’s approach to job creation, Mr Mahama pointed out that unemployment has surged from 8.4% when his administration left office to 14.7% under the current government.

He questioned Dr. Bawumia's commitment to addressing youth unemployment, highlighting unpaid allowances owed to NABCO trainees as a sign of unfulfilled promises.

Mr Mahama also contended that if job creation were a priority for the NPP, these figures should have shown marked improvement by now.