Ghana needs a national job creation framework that expands employment beyond formal corporate positions and equips young people to build sustainable livelihoods, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, has said.
He argues that the country must rethink its approach to employment by integrating entrepreneurship and practical skills development into education, particularly as many graduates struggle to find work.
Speaking at the 15th Absa-UPSA Law School Quarterly Banking Roundtable, Mr Awuah pointed to the shortage of skilled tradespeople as evidence of untapped employment opportunities in the economy.
“If you need a plumber, a good plumber, it’s a struggle,” he said, highlighting the gap between the skills available in the labour market and the services households and businesses require.
He believes addressing such gaps could create opportunities for young people while helping meet demand for essential services.
Mr. Awuah urged policymakers to develop frameworks that enable unemployed graduates and other young people to pursue entrepreneurship and income-generating activities rather than view formal employment as their only route to economic security.
“It’s a whole business. And I believe the authorities, if they are watching, that is where we need to build the frameworks that the youth, the teeming youth, the unemployed graduates,” he said.
He warned that a narrow definition of employment could leave many young people without viable career prospects.
“If our thinking of job is to work in Absa or MTN or Goldfields Ghana, no,” he said, stressing the need to recognise other forms of productive work and enterprise.
According to him, employment should be measured by the ability to earn a living, rather than solely by securing a position in a large company.
“We need to begin seeing jobs as what pays our bills and the things that we do,” he said.
Mr. Awuah added that expanding legitimate economic opportunities could also help steer young people away from crime, arguing that the lack of viable livelihoods can deepen their vulnerability to illicit activities.
