Unemployment Situation In The Wake Of COVID-19

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON THE LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN GHANA

Undoubtedly, the greatest of all disruptive viral infections in history is coronavirus, popularly known as COVID-19. In fact the World had witnessed all kinds Infections, but none has ever caused as much headache for virologists and epidemiologists as COVID-19. The strange disease, which scientists are still struggling to find a cure for, was reported to have emanated from Wuhan, one of China’s top industrial cities. It has since affected almost all other countries, hence its declaration as a pandemic. Unlike other viral infections like HIV AIDS, COVID-19 has serious effects on almost every aspect of human life, due to its mode of transmission.

For instance, it has significantly altered the culture of people and has necessitated the campaign against the usual lovely handshakes and social gatherings of any kind. What is more. The dangerous nature of the spread has compelled and propelled governments to issue strict restrictions. Some people were virtually imprisoned in their own homes. Not only had COVID-19 caused significant alteration in people’s way of life, it has unprecedented consequences on the economy of affected countries especially countries that are struggling to address economic challenges. Ghana is no exception. The severity of the unemployment level of Ghanaians had never been felt conspicuously until the arrival of COVID-19. Due to strict measures taken to contain the spread of the virus, the unemployed populace, as well as the self-employed, have experienced the worst form of economic hardship. This hardship was evidenced in the fact that people who earn their daily bread from informal business transactions were restricted from going out.

Almost all the sectors of the economy are adversely affected. The banking sector, tourism, agricultural, transportation among other sectors are all affected. Some employers had to lay off workers so as to cope with the storm and heat of the virus. The positive effects of COVID-19 is seen on a lighter side. Most people were employed to sew nose marks and other local PPE which in the short run would help them also take care of their families. The negative effects of COVID-19 far outweigh the positive effects.  It is really devastating. Efforts must be made by government to palliate the heat of the virus on the economy and the people. Let’s us all be guided by the laid down protocols so we can come out of the woods as soon as practicable. It is our prayer and believe that this too shall pass. God bless our Homeland Ghana and make us Great and Strong.

BY TULBIRE ANIA SOLOMON, A STUDENT OF UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION WINNEBA, KUMASI CAMPUS