By Rachel Quartey & Valentia Tetteh
Concerns over rising youth unemployment dominated discussions between the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) and the Minority Caucus in Parliament during a stakeholder engagement in Accra.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described unemployment as a structural national challenge requiring urgent and practical solutions.
“We are not dealing with idle hands alone; we are confronting a structural challenge to equip our young people with employable skills and prepare a resilient technical workforce,” he said.
He revealed that over 1.3 million young people in Ghana are currently unemployed, with youth unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 standing at 32.5 per cent.
“Youth unemployment is not just a pipeline issue; it is a national emergency. About 506,000 people applied for national security recruitment. This reflects untapped human potential and deepening inequality,” he added.
The President of the GEA, Nana Dr E. Adu-Sarkodee Afriyie, attributed the situation partly to a mismatch between education and industry needs.
According to him, many graduates lack practical skills required by employers, limiting their chances of securing jobs and affecting business productivity.
The meeting, held on March 31 at the GEA head office, formed part of efforts by the Minority Caucus to engage stakeholders on improving job creation and supporting the private sector.
Both parties expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders would help address unemployment and strengthen Ghana’s workforce.
Other members of the delegation included Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei; 2nd Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib; MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi and Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; MP for Obuasi West, Kwaku Kwarteng; Ranking Member on the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee, Michael Okyere Baafi; and Deputy Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, Fred Kyei Asamoah, MP for Offinso North, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo, Tweneboah Kodua Fokuo, MP for Manso Nkwanta, John Darko, MP for Suame, Frederick Addy, MP for Suaman, Gloria Owusu, MP for Trobu and Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, MP for Afigya Kwabre South.
