President John Dramani Mahama has sounded the alarm over the growing youth unemployment crisis, warning that high youth unemployment poses a serious threat to the country’s economic stability and social cohesion.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2025, he stressed that youth unemployment is not just an economic issue but a ticking time bomb.
He was of the view that the development could lead to increased crime, social unrest, and economic stagnation.
“Two million young Ghanaians are without jobs. This is not just a statistic; it is a crisis,” Mahama stated.
“A nation that does not create opportunities for its youth is putting its own future at risk.”
To address this pressing issue, Mr. Mahama outlined his government’s comprehensive strategy to create jobs, equip young people with skills, and stimulate economic growth.
Mahama emphasized that tackling youth unemployment requires urgent, bold, and strategic interventions to prevent economic hardship from escalating into social instability.
“Our young people are full of potential. They are ready to work, ready to contribute, and ready to build this nation. It is our responsibility to give them the opportunities they deserve,” he declared.
Mahama assured Ghanaians that under his leadership, job creation would remain a top priority, with concrete policies and investments aimed at empowering young people and securing a brighter future for the nation.
President Mahama outlined bold initiatives to tackle unemployment, including absorbing 300,000 new workforce entrants annually and reducing unemployment by 120,000 jobs each year.
To achieve this, he announced the launch of key employment and skills development programs:
-Adwumawura Programme – A comprehensive job creation initiative aimed at expanding opportunities across various sectors.
-National Apprenticeship Programme – Providing hands-on vocational training to equip young people with practical skills for employment.
-One Million Coders Programme – Training and empowering one million young Ghanaians in digital and coding skills to thrive in the global tech economy.