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 percent 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 percent 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, Kodjo Esseim 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 Kobina Annim, 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.
Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh
