Sherif Ghali, the President of the Ghana Youth Federation, has revealed that nearly 2 million Ghanaian youth are neither in education, employment nor training.
According to him, Ghanaian youth between the ages of 15 and 35 are without jobs, education or training.
He stressed that the situation highlights the scale of the youth employment crisis in the country, adding that youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average.
Sherif Ghali detailed that. Youth unemployment currently stands at 21.9%, compared with the national average of 12.8%, while the rate in the Greater Accra Region is 31.9%.
He stressed that the statistics should not be treated merely as figures, but should be understood as real challenges in securing jobs.
Speaking at the National Youth Forum on Wednesday, August 19, Mr Ghali, “Nearly 2 million young Ghanaians between age 15 and 35 are neither in education, nor employment, nor training. That is not a statistic. That is a young man in Wa who has sent out 40 applications and has not gotten any reply, not even a rejection”.
Mr Ghali cited the situation of young people who have completed apprenticeship programmes but lack the resources to establish their own businesses.
“That is a young woman in Kasoa who has finished apprenticeship, but for the past two years cannot raise 1,500 cedis to buy a sewing machine,” he said.
“A few days ago, KFC ran a promotion. The promotion said 15 cedis for chicken and fries. You saw the videos. Young people were pushing. Young people were fighting security to get inside,” he said.
According to him, the incident should prompt a broader conversation about the economic circumstances of young people.
In related news, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has conveyed his concern over the uncertainty being faced by the youth of Ghana.
Dr Bawumia, in a statement on International Youth Day, admitted the struggles the youth of Ghana go through in seeking jobs that are not even available.
He disclosed that those who want to start businesses also have difficulties due to the high cost of starting and sustaining a business.
However, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia indicated he remains convinced that Ghana’s greatest strength is the talent and determination of its young people.
Dr Bawumia in his statement, stated, “On this International Youth Day, I think of the many young Ghanaians I meet across the country. Students, artisans, young professionals, entrepreneurs, farmers and those still searching for opportunities.
The circumstances of our youth may be different, but the aspirations are often the same. To find decent jobs, build something of their own, live with dignity and look to the future with confidence.
I know these hopes have been tested. Jobs are not easy to find, the cost of starting and sustaining a business is high, and too many young people feel uncertain about what lies ahead.
But I remain convinced that Ghana’s greatest strength is the talent and determination of our young people. Our responsibility is to make sure opportunity keeps pace with their ambition.
Different contexts, common aspirations and a shared belief that Ghana can be a place where young people build the future they want”.
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