UNEMPLOYMENT CHRONICLES: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF JOBLESSNESS IN GHANA

Gloria Mensah Writes:

Ghana's economy is currently facing economic hardships, and today's story focuses on one aspect. 

The high rate of unemployment in Ghana is a major concern, but the question is, in what ways can it be solved? 

The country is facing challenges on issues such as; High Inflation, Low Productivity, Inadequate Social Amenities, Inadequate Health Facilities, Education among others.

Several youth in the country find themselves in a situation where they are actively qualified for employment, but unfortunately are unable to find jobs. 

Many have completed their Tertiary and other higher levels of education, but the doors to the jobs seems to be closed. 

The current rate of unemployment has increased from 3.87% in December 2022 to 3.92% in December 2023 according to Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). 

The issue of unemployment has made many people devastated, which has triggered many protests to create awareness for the government to come to the aid of the citizens.

What are some of the causes of high rate of unemployment?

This can be related to reasons such as; Rapid Population Growth, Demand for Highly Skilled Labor, Economic Inflation, Illiteracy, Technological Advancements among others.

The number of people looking for jobs increases daily as people from the Tertiary and other institutions graduate frequently. 

 A large number of people seek greener pastures everyday and targets Greater Accra Region as the best place to be. 

An example is our women from other regions who come to Greater Accra and end up as  street hawkers and "Kayayos", with most of their expectations unmet and they end up carrying loads in the markets. 

There is also a high demand on skilled labor, which sometimes people with no specific working experience are disqualified and are unable to share their creative ideas.

Also, there are specific requirements of physical appearance in job application, which exempt persons with disabilities to enjoy their fundamental human rights in applying for jobs.

What are some of the effects of high rate of unemployment? 

Peer Pressure, due to the fact that there are little job opportunities in the country, people may be influenced by their peers to seek greener pastures elsewhere. 

Most women particularly the ladies engage in prostitution when they are unable to acquire a jobs after completion of school. 

High rate of school dropouts become the norm, which leads to ladies getting pregnant at younger ages, or contracting deadly diseases which even lead to their deaths. 

Moreover, in the case of the men, particularly ranging from eighteen (18) to forty (40) years indulge in acts such as arm robbery, illegal mining (galamsey), serial killings, scamming among others. 

It also leads to loss of self-esteem, mental stress and most importantly poverty which shatters a person’s aspirations in life. 

What are some of the ways to solve high rate of  unemployment?

Unemployment is a complex issue and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach.

One of the ways is to promote economic growth, where the government can create new job opportunities and support entrepreneurship to strengthen job creation.

Enhancing education and new skills development, where the government and private business owners can initiate training programs, which will help people to acquire knowledge and adapt to changing industry demands.

The government can as well provide unemployment benefits which can assist the unemployed individuals to provide for their basic needs while they continue to look for jobs. 

Lastly, government and private business owners can implement policies that promote diversity, encourage equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender or physical appearance.

High rate of unemployment is a major concern in Ghana, West Africa and some parts of the world. 

The strategies explained above are ways the government, business owners and individuals can use to solve the situation to improve our lives as citizens of the nation.

Writer's Email: 1mensahgloria@gmail.com