Austin Gamey questions claims of massive youth unemployment in Ghana

Labour expert Austin Gamey has disputed claims of massive youth unemployment in Ghana, arguing that many young people classified as unemployed are engaged in informal economic activities and other forms of work outside the formal sector.

He says the country's unemployment situation should be assessed beyond conventional employment arrangements, pointing to skilled young people who earn a living through trades such as masonry and carpentry.

“It is not as realistic as we are portraying it to be that there is massive unemployment among the youth. If somebody has gone to school to learn masonry and is still described as unemployed, then there is a problem. Nobody in Ghana is sleeping for the sake of it. People are serious,” he said.

The latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service puts the national unemployment rate at 13 per cent, representing an estimated two million people without jobs.

Among young people aged 15 to 35, the rate is significantly higher at 23.2 per cent, raising concerns about access to decent and sustainable employment opportunities.

Mr Gamey acknowledged that challenges remain in the formal employment sector, particularly for graduates whose qualifications and skills do not match the demands of industry.

He believes stronger technical and vocational education, alongside practical skills development, is necessary to address the gap and equip young people with skills relevant to the job market.

On criticism that the government has failed to fulfil its job creation promises, Mr Gamey said the administration should be allowed more time to implement its manifesto commitments.

“If they make a promise in their manifesto, nobody should expect everything to be fulfilled in two years. It is a four-year term of office. You cannot simply declare that they have failed to deliver,” he said.

He also expects the 2027 Budget to provide greater clarity on the government's 24-hour economy initiative, which he believes could significantly transform the economy and create employment opportunities.

While Mr Gamey maintains that unemployment is sometimes overstated, accounts from young Ghanaians highlight the difficulties many face in securing jobs that provide adequate financial security.

With the Finance Minister is set to present the 2027 Budget today, expectations are high for concrete measures to expand employment opportunities, strengthen skills development and support young entrepreneurs.