Ghana continues to grapple with youth unemployment, a growing concern for national development.
Speaking on Baraka 98.7 FM’s Adekye Mu Nhyira programme, Abdul-Wahab Jawando, the Public Relations Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), shed light on the issue and outlined possible solutions.
According to the 2024 Ghana Statistical Service data, the national unemployment rate stands at 13.1%, with youth unemployment (ages 15–35) even higher at 22.5%. Each year, about 100,000 graduates enter the job market, but only around 10% secure jobs in the public sector.
Key Causes of Youth Unemployment:
– A strong preference for public sector jobs among youth
– Rapid population growth increasing pressure on the job market
– Limited creativity and innovation
– A mismatch between academic training and industry needs
The Role of YEA in Addressing Unemployment:
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was established by Act 887 in 2015 to provide employment avenues for young people.
YEA replaced the former GYEEDA and now partners with private companies, NGOs, and government bodies to train and place youth in various sectors.
YEA programmes cover education, health, security, sanitation, corporate support, and entrepreneurship. Notable initiatives include:
– 12,000 youth engaged as Community Policing Assistants
– 5,000 serving as Fire Assistants with the Ghana National Fire Service
– 5,000 placed with the Ghana Prisons Service
– Charcoal production projects involving 2,000 youth under eco-friendly schemes
Access and Application:
All Ghanaian youth aged 15–35, including women and persons with disabilities, are eligible. Applications can be made via the official YEA website or at regional and district offices.
Led by CEO Malik Basintale, the agency is also promoting innovative projects like “Waste to Wealth,” which trains youth to turn agricultural waste into charcoal, helping to reduce environmental pollution while creating jobs.
Abdul-Wahab Jawando emphasized that by reorienting mindsets, building relevant skills, and tapping into entrepreneurship, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its young population.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
