President John Dramani Mahama has warned that Ghana is facing rising structural unemployment resulting from a mismatch between graduates’ skills and the needs of industry.
Speaking on Saturday, December 6, at the Doha Forum on Economic Empowerment in Africa: Pathway to Inclusive Prosperity, President Mahama emphasized that universities continue to produce a significant number of graduates in disciplines that do not align with current job market demands.
“Employers throughout Ghana are seeking middle-level technicians instead of graduates with advanced academic credentials,” he stated. “If you consult industry leaders in Ghana, they express a preference for technicians over professors and other highly qualified individuals.”
President Mahama elaborated that although job opportunities are available, many remain unfilled because graduates do not possess the necessary practical skills. “We are not adequately preparing individuals for the workforce. There are positions available for technicians, yet we are generating a surplus of graduates in business administration, marketing, and the humanities,” he remarked.
President Mahama also underscored the necessity of equipping young individuals for the digital economy.
“By 2030, it is anticipated that there will be 230 million digital jobs in Africa. We must prepare our youth with the skills to seize these opportunities,” he asserted.
He cautioned that unskilled youth are vulnerable to exploitation by criminal organizations.
“We have numerous young individuals eager to be recruited by malicious entities—drug traffickers, terrorists, and other criminals,” he warned.
Mahama concluded that enhanced technical, vocational, and digital training is essential to ensure that Ghanaian youth are prepared for the jobs that are available and can establish stable livelihoods.
In support of technical and vocational education, the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), which was launched in April, provides practical skills training in carpentry, plumbing, auto mechanics, agro-processing, tailoring, and electrical work.
The program presently aims to reach 10,000 apprentices throughout all 261 districts, with intentions to expand to 100,000 each year, incorporating designated positions for women and individuals with disabilities.
