Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has raised concerns over the alarming rate of youth unemployment in Ghana, warning that it poses a serious threat to national stability.
Speaking on State of Affairs with Joshua Kodjo Mensah, the Minister referenced data from the Ghana Statistical Service, which estimates that up to 1.9 million Ghanaian youth are unemployed, a figure that could be rounded to 2 million.
He described this as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that no country can maintain peace and progress with such a large portion of its youth out of work.
He stressed the urgent need for strategic interventions to curb the crisis, recalling that the opposition party, during its tenure, had proposed a National Apprenticeship Program aimed at equipping young people with vocational skills.
He revealed that the current administration has allocated GHS 300 million to fund this initiative, which seeks to provide tools such as sewing machines, hair dryers, and other essential equipment to young apprentices in various trades.
Kwakye Ofosu highlighted the transformative impact of skills training, stating that when young people are empowered, they become self-sufficient and contribute to economic growth rather than becoming burdens on the state. He shared personal experiences from his constituency, where he has supported youth with startup tools to help them establish their businesses.
Using the fashion industry as an example, he praised the craftsmanship of local designers, noting that Ghanaian-made suits can rival those from Italy and other high-end fashion houses. He argued that when a tailor is given the necessary training and tools, they not only secure their own livelihood but also create job opportunities for others.
“If a dressmaker emerges from this apprenticeship program, she sets up her own shop and may even train others. A welder, a mason, a steel bender, all these skilled workers can secure jobs and employ their colleagues, reducing the unemployment rate significantly,” he explained.
