Former Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has initiated a significant call for a thorough review of university programs across Ghana. He argues that many graduates leave tertiary institutions without the essential skills and qualifications demanded by the labor market. This has directly contributed to an increase in graduate unemployment rates.
Dr. Adutwum states that without deliberately linking higher education to the country's workforce needs, graduate unemployment will continue to rise. This persistence occurs despite more students having access to university education. He criticized the growing gap between academic offerings and the economy's requirements during an appearance on the Konnected Minds Podcast.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of youth unemployment and skill mismatches. The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana has previously highlighted concerns about graduate employability. Data consistently shows a significant number of university graduates struggling to find relevant jobs. This situation underscores a structural problem within the education sector.
Dr. Adutwum questioned the relevance of programs like Development Studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS). He also singled out the BA Education (Non-Teaching) program at the University of Ghana. He stated these courses offer limited employment prospects for those who complete them. He recalled raising these concerns during his tenure as Minister of Education, notably at the annual New Year School.
The former minister advocated for universities to base admissions and program offerings on national labor market assessments. He explained, "You know that the country needs more engineers; they need more medical, they need more nurses." He indicated that failing to follow such assessments means institutions are "just educating everyone" without a clear purpose.
He alleged that some universities continue to admit students into programs with weak job prospects primarily for revenue generation. Dr. Adutwum stated, "They are just filling up the spaces because they are coming and they are paying money to come, and the universities like it." This practice perpetuates the cycle of graduates struggling to find employment after national service.
Dr. Adutwum urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to adopt a stronger regulatory role. GTEC must ensure academic programs align with Ghana's workforce needs and long-term development plans. He pointed to India's information technology sector as a model for strategic educational planning.
He believes Ghana has many sectors that could absorb highly skilled graduates. This requires universities to tailor their programs to national priorities. The police service, military, and various companies, both local and international, require skilled individuals. Reforming the education system could directly address Ghana's graduate unemployment crisis.