The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has described youth unemployment as the biggest challenge facing the government, stressing that the public sector alone cannot absorb all young people seeking jobs.
Speaking during the NDC’s Thank You Tour in Tolon, Mr Asiedu Nketia said sustainable job creation would depend largely on investment in vocational training and skills development rather than relying solely on recruitment into state institutions.
“It is not possible for the government to recruit everybody into the Police Service, Army, Fire Service, Immigration, Customs, and the other security agencies,” he stated.
“There is no way the government will have enough spaces for all of us there,” he added.
According to him, the government’s long-term employment strategy would focus on equipping young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills that could create opportunities beyond the public sector.
Mr Asiedu Nketia cited countries such as United States, Canada and Germany, where immigrants are often integrated into vocational and trade training systems to become economically productive.
“When you go to America, Canada, or Germany, one of the first things they do is to help you acquire skills or training that will allow you to work and earn a living,” he said.
“That is the direction the government intends to pursue,” he added.
The NDC Chairman encouraged young people in Tolon and across the country to remain hopeful and continue supporting government initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and expanding economic opportunities.
His comments come amid growing public concern over rising youth unemployment in Ghana, particularly among graduates and young people in rural communities who continue to demand jobs and greater economic inclusion.
Mr Asiedu Nketia was in the Northern Region as part of the NDC’s nationwide Thank You Tour following the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
