The latest Ghana Human Development Report 2023 (GNHDR) has unveiled alarming statistics regarding youth unemployment in Ghana, highlighting significant challenges in the country's workforce dynamics. According to the report, a staggering 65% of young people aged between 15 and 24 are currently unemployed, posing a critical threat to Ghana's future economic development.

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Released on June 26, 2024, in Accra by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the GNHDR underscores the stark reality faced by Ghanaian youth seeking stable and sustainable employment opportunities.

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The report also reveals that a substantial 75% of Ghana's workforce operates within the informal sector, where jobs are often characterized by instability and low wages. This informal sector dominance further exacerbates the employment challenges, particularly for young people striving to secure meaningful livelihoods.

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During the report's launch, Angela Lusigi, the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure development, and technology. These investments, she noted, are crucial for creating an enabling environment that fosters sustainable job creation, especially targeting the youth demographic.

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"Strategic investment in both human capital and infrastructure is crucial for Ghana to create a conducive environment for sustainable jobs for all," Lusigi asserted.Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, the Government Statistician, stressed the importance of inclusive growth policies aimed at fostering sustainable job creation across various sectors of the economy."The report provides crucial insights.

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I urge stakeholders to adopt policies that foster inclusive growth and sustainable job creation," Prof. Annim remarked.Additionally, Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, the Director-General of the NDPC, highlighted the imperative of formalizing the informal sector and streamlining regulatory frameworks to unlock the potential of Ghana's entrepreneurial landscape.

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"By investing in infrastructure and promoting entrepreneurship, Ghana can harness the potential of its youth and informal sector," Mensah-Abrampa affirmed.The GNHDR report also recommended integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEM/STEAM) subjects into education curricula and providing entrepreneurial training.

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These measures aim to equip Ghanaian youth with essential skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and thrive in the evolving job market.Looking ahead, the report advocates for a comprehensive national long-term plan that prioritizes job creation, infrastructure development, and educational reform.

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These initiatives are pivotal in ensuring equitable access to decent work and improved living standards for all Ghanaians by 2030 and beyond.the_2023_ghana_national_human_development_reportDownload

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