The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has cautioned that unemployment continues to be a “ticking time bomb” for Ghana, emphasising the necessity for immediate and ongoing interventions, especially to combat youth joblessness.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Iddrisu remarked that the increasing number of unemployed young individuals presents a grave danger to the nation’s social and economic stability.
“Unemployment remains a ticking time bomb. We need to find urgent answers and solutions to address the growing youth unemployment,” he asserted.
The Minister voiced his concern that despite a rising number of young individuals completing various educational levels and skills training, job creation has not matched the growing youth population entering the workforce.
He urged for coordinated national efforts that involve the government, the private sector, and educational institutions to better synchronize education and skills development with the demands of the labor market.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, neglecting to address the disconnect between training and employment opportunities risks producing graduates who are either inadequately prepared for available jobs or who endure extended periods of unemployment.
He highlighted the necessity for policy reforms and increased investment in sectors capable of absorbing large numbers of young individuals, warning that failure to act could exacerbate unemployment and its related social issues.
Mr. Iddrisu stated that addressing youth unemployment must remain a national priority, advocating for practical and long-term solutions to ensure sustainable livelihoods for Ghana’s expanding youth population.
