Ghanaian youth advocates are urging for greater market access and opportunities to help young people turn their skills into jobs. This call comes from two prominent figures, Nana Kusi Appiah and Christabel Odonkor. They stress that young Ghanaians need meaningful platforms to apply their talents and contribute to the economy. This is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the nation's youthful population.
Their comments coincide with International Youth Day 2026, observed on August 12. The theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” highlights shared goals among young people. These aspirations include quality education, meaningful work, and entrepreneurship. Ghana faces a significant challenge in converting its increasing youth population into productive employment. The country struggles to provide sustainable livelihoods for these young individuals.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of high youth unemployment. The Mastercard Foundation’s Africa Youth Employment Outlook 2026 report identifies major shifts in the future of work. These include a move from agriculture to services and rural-to-urban migration. The report also emphasizes the growing importance of relevant skills. It highlights the need for quality job creation and stronger pathways to sustainable livelihoods for young people.
Nana Kusi Appiah, Co-founder and CEO of Ghana Fertilizer Limited, emphasized access to markets. He stated, “First and foremost, I’ll speak about access to market because we believe the young people have been given the chance, right? We have to be given the opportunity to serve in those markets as well.” He explained that young businesses often struggle to compete for contracts. Larger, established companies typically dominate procurement processes. Appiah, a participant in the Kosmos Innovation Center programme, transformed his idea into a business producing fertilizer from organic waste. He believes finance must be matched with market access for businesses to survive and create jobs.
The implications for Ghana’s economy are significant. Without better market access, youth entrepreneurship and job creation efforts may falter. Decision-makers must consider policies that support young businesses in public and private procurement. Introducing quotas for youth-led businesses could provide a fair opportunity. This would enable them to tender for contracts and expand their operations. Such measures could boost economic growth and reduce unemployment rates. Investors and policymakers will watch for concrete steps to address these systemic barriers.
Christabel Odonkor, founder of Youth in Transformative Development Africa (YIDA), echoed these sentiments. She believes the challenge extends beyond acquiring skills. Young people need platforms to apply those skills and demonstrate their capabilities. Ms. Odonkor, a communication and development professional, highlighted her own experience. Programmes like Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana provided her with leadership opportunities. These interventions are vital as the world of work changes rapidly. Traditional pathways no longer adequately prepare young people for emerging opportunities.
Mr. Appiah also stressed the need to prepare for a changing labour market. Agriculture, once a major employer, is gradually declining. The services and skills sectors are becoming more prominent. Greater investment in these emerging sectors is crucial. Stronger support for young entrepreneurs will expand employment opportunities. This approach can help reduce barriers for young people entering the labour market. Providing funding without market access limits the impact of support programmes. Without good regulations and opportunities, businesses cannot grow and create jobs.
The advocates’ proposals suggest a multi-faceted approach. This includes targeted procurement policies and strategic investments. It also involves creating platforms for skill application. These actions are essential for Ghana to harness its demographic dividend. They aim to ensure young people contribute meaningfully to national development. The government and private sector must collaborate to implement these changes. This will foster a more inclusive and dynamic economy for all Ghanaians.