Renowned economist and former University of Ghana Vice Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has pinpointed youth unemployment as Ghana’s most pressing economic challenge, attributing it to fundamental flaws in the education system.
Speaking on Channel One TV, which was Professor Aryeetey emphasized that tackling youth unemployment requires a complete overhaul of the current education structure, which he believes is not aligned with the needs of the job market.
According to Professor Aryeetey, the overemphasis on university education does not serve the broader needs of the economy. “They don’t need a university degree to be able to do things. But we’ve built a system that takes us all into the university. It is wrong, and it will always be wrong,” he stressed. He advocates for reforming early-stage education to produce more versatile and productive students.
Professor Aryeetey pointed to ample research in Ghana, across Africa, and globally, showing that education can be reformed to better prepare students for the market.
“There is enough research being done… that shows you a type of education that you can bring at the basic, Junior High School level, at the Senior High level, that leads to more productive students who are versatile,” he explained.
