A recent study conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has uncovered alarming rates of unemployment among educated Ghanaians, shedding light on a significant socioeconomic challenge facing the nation.
According to the findings presented by Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, during the release of the Ghana 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) quarter three labour statistics bulletin in Accra, a substantial portion of the population experienced unemployment spells despite being available and willing to work.
Key highlights of the study indicate that during 21 months from January 2022 to September 2023, nearly a quarter of individuals who faced unemployment completed tertiary education, comprising 22.3 percent of the total. Additionally, close to half, approximately 48 percent, of those experiencing unemployment spells possessed secondary education qualifications.
An unemployment spell, as defined by the GSS study, refers to an uninterrupted period during which an individual remains unemployed despite having the capacity and desire to work.
The survey revealed that about 200,000 individuals encountered an unemployment spell lasting at least 12 months between the first quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023. Notably, the majority of these cases were among females, urban residents, individuals with secondary education, and those aged between 15 and 24 years.
Furthermore, youth unemployment emerged as a significant concern, with over 1.3 million individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 contributing to more than three-quarters of the total unemployed population in the country. This figure represents a 14.6 percent increase in youth unemployment compared to the previous year.
Addressing the concerning statistics, Professor Annim emphasized the importance of policymakers directing their attention to the youth demographic and implementing targeted interventions to alleviate unemployment challenges. He highlighted the need for strategic initiatives aimed at providing employment opportunities for the youth population, urging policymakers to consider the implications of such interventions on reducing the overall unemployment rate.
Moreover, the study identified regional disparities in unemployment rates, with certain regions experiencing higher year-on-year increases compared to others. Efforts to address unemployment issues must be tailored to specific regional contexts, particularly in regions with consistently high unemployment rates.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations (MELR) emphasised the significance of utilizing labour statistics for informed planning and decision-making. The ministry pledged to explore ways to leverage the survey findings to promote decent work opportunities and economic empowerment for the Ghanaian populace.