The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reported a marginal decline in the national unemployment rate, but has simultaneously highlighted a persistent and alarming challenge with youth joblessness.
The latest quarterly labour statistics for July 2025, released by Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu on August 28 2025, show that the unemployment rate fell from 13.3 percent in the third quarter of 2024 to 13.1 percent in the fourth quarter of the same year.
This data was based on data from over 9,000 households nationwide.
Dr. Iddrisu explained that although employment levels are improving, many jobs remain informal and insecure. He cautioned that youth unemployment, as well as the number of young people not in education or training, was becoming a major concern.
“Youth employment and also the NEET group – those that are unemployed, not in education, and not observing any training are alarmingly high, keeping millions out of both work and education,” he said.
He also pointed to growing regional disparities, noting that both Accra and Ashanti record high employment and high unemployment rates, while the Northern Region continues to struggle.
The Statistician warned that long-term unemployment is becoming entrenched, leaving thousands trapped in prolonged joblessness.
As part of the recommendations, the GSS called for government to scale up apprenticeship and graduate employment schemes, and provide affordable credit to small businesses to create more jobs for women and youth.
Dr Iddrisu also noted that, “We recommend that government provide affordable credits to small businesses to boost job creation especially for women and youth.”
He concluded that, the private sector must also step up by offering structured internships and entry-level opportunities for young people, as well as partnering with universities and training institutions to better align education with workplace needs.
The report highlights the urgent need for targeted policies to bridge regional labour gaps and create sustainable, formal job opportunities for the country’s growing youth population.
By Esinu Adza, 3Business
