More young people experiencing joblessness – GNHDR 2023 report

 The latest Ghana Human Development Report 2023 (GNHDR) released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reveals that young people aged 15-24 are disproportionately impacted by un­employment, with a significant 65 per cent experiencing joblessness.

The findings from the report re­leased in partnership with the Gha­na Statistical Service (GSS) and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) indicates that informal sector accounts for 75 per cent of the workforce, and youth unemployment and under­employment remained a major challenge, despite high economic growth over the past decade.

This trend, according to the report had implications for the country’s long-term development goals and human development, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address youth un­employment and promote inclusive economic growth.

The report, themed ‘The Future Value of Work in Ghana: Pathways to Sustainable Jobs,” was devel­oped through extensive research, collaboration and country-wide consultations, to serve as a crucial tool for policymakers, development practitioners, and other stake­holders in shaping strategies for sustainable development.

The report highlighted the need for Ghana to bridge the gap between current opportunities and the future of work through strategic investment in both human capital and infrastructure to create a conducive environment for sus­tainable jobs for all.

It emphasised the interconnect­edness of work and human devel­opment, calling for a reimagining of academic programs to include science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEM/ STEAM) education and entre­preneurial training, preparing the youth for future job markets.

It also recommended simplifying regulations and providing targeted training to formalise the infor­mal sector, creating more stable job opportunities while ensuring efficient and reliable infrastructure in energy, transport, water, ICT, and housing as fundamental for the future of work.

Launching the report in Accra, on Wednesday, The UNDP Resi­dent Representative in Ghana, Dr Angela Lusigi, said for Ghana to achieve its long-term development goals and reduce unemployment, it was crucial to invest in both building human capital as well as enhancing access to technology and digital infrastructure for all.

This, she said would create a conducive environment for sus­tainable job creation and economic growth.

The Director-General, NDPC, KodjoEsseim Mensah-Abrampa, emphasised that investing in infra­structure and promoting entrepre­neurship, Ghana could harness the potential of its youth and informal sector, driving socio-economic transformation and job creation.

He said early next year, the coun­try would commence the prepa­ration of the next medium term national development policy frame­work and the 2023 HDR, would be a key input in shaping strategic for the period 2026 to 2029.

The HDR, he said would pro­vide a useful source of information for all Ministries, Department and Agencies and Metropolitan, Mu­nicipal, District Assemblies, adding that “their development plans will provide concrete actions to opera­tionalise some of the recommen­dations.”

The Government Statistician, Professor Samuel KobinaAnnim, said the findings from the report provides crucial insights into the nexus between work and human development, urging stakehold­ers to adopt policies that foster inclusive growth and sustainable job creation.

“Development is not about numbers but people, however, de­velopment will not occur without statistics. Let’s communicate and own the report for sustainable development of the country,” he added.

 BY VIVIAN ARTHUR