New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called for greater opportunities for young Ghanaians. He acknowledged the significant challenges many young people face in securing jobs, starting businesses, and building a stable future.
Dr. Bawumia made these remarks in a message marking International Youth Day. He highlighted that young people across Ghana share common aspirations for decent employment and a dignified standard of living. These aspirations are currently tested by limited job opportunities and the high cost of establishing and sustaining businesses.
This call comes as Ghana grapples with persistent youth unemployment, a critical economic challenge. The World Bank reported Ghana's youth unemployment rate at 13.7% in 2021, a figure that continues to concern policymakers. High inflation rates, which reached 23.2% in May 2024, further complicate business growth and job creation for young entrepreneurs.
Dr. Bawumia described Ghana’s youthful population as one of the country’s greatest assets. He pointed to the talent, determination, and ambition demonstrated by young people across various sectors. He stated, “Different contexts, common aspirations and a shared belief that Ghana can be a place where young people build the future they want.”
The government and various stakeholders must now focus on concrete strategies to address these systemic issues. Policymakers have a responsibility to create opportunities aligning with youth ambitions. This includes fostering an environment where young people can meaningfully contribute to national development. Initiatives like the YouStart programme aim to provide seed capital and training, but their impact needs continuous evaluation and scaling.
The economic implications of youth unemployment are substantial, affecting national productivity and social stability. A large, underemployed youth population can strain public resources and hinder long-term economic growth. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support systems.
Ghana's demographic dividend, with a significant portion of its population under 35, presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Harnessing this potential requires deliberate policy interventions to equip young people with relevant skills. The private sector also plays a crucial role in creating jobs and absorbing new entrants into the workforce.
Future policy decisions will likely focus on improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs. Reducing the cost of doing business remains a key priority for the government. Stakeholders must maintain confidence in the potential of Ghanaian youth to drive economic progress.
The call from the NPP flagbearer underscores the urgency of addressing youth-related economic issues. It signals that youth empowerment will be a central theme in upcoming political discourse. Investors and businesses will watch for policies that genuinely support youth employment and enterprise development.