The latest Ghana Human Development Report 2023 (GNHDR) has sounded a warning bell on the alarming rate of youth unemployment in Ghana, with a staggering 65% of young people aged 15-24 experiencing joblessness.
The report, released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), paints a dire picture of the future of work in Ghana, with far-reaching implications for the country’s stability and development.
“Youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb, and we need to take urgent action to address it,” said Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana.
“We cannot afford to have a large chunk of our youth population idle and disillusioned.”
The report highlights the need for a paradigm shift in education, skills development, and job creation to address the mismatch between current opportunities and the future of work.
“We need to reimagine our education system to include science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEM/STEAM) education and entrepreneurial training to prepare our youth for future job markets,” said Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, Government Statistician.
The report’s findings have sparked concerns among stakeholders, who fear that the high rate of youth unemployment could lead to social unrest, increased crime, and political instability.
“We need to act now to address this crisis, or we risk facing a generation of disillusioned and disaffected youth,” said Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, Director-General, NDPC.
