24-Hour Economy Policy: Understanding the Current Youth Employment Landscape in Ghana

To fully appreciate the transformative potential of John Mahama’s 24-hour economy, it is essential to first understand the current landscape of youth employment in Ghana.

With a burgeoning youth population that constitutes over 35% of the country’s workforce, the challenge of unemployment looms large. Recent statistics reveal that youth unemployment rates have remained alarmingly high, hovering around 12.4%, while underemployment continues to affect many young Ghanaians, leading to a mismatch between skills acquired and job opportunities available.

The job market is saturated with graduates, yet many find themselves unable to secure meaningful employment that aligns with their qualifications. This disparity is exacerbated by a traditional economy that often operates within standard business hours, limiting opportunities for part-time work and entrepreneurship that could engage the youth.

Informal employment, while a common alternative, often lacks stability and benefits, leaving many young people in precarious situations.

Moreover, the effects of the mismanagement of the economy by this current government have been felt deeply within this demographic, with many businesses shuttering and the services sector, one of the largest employers of youth grappling with unprecedented challenges.

As a result, young Ghanaians are increasingly seeking innovative ways to sustain themselves, turning to entrepreneurship and the gig economy.

However, hurdles such as access to capital, training, and mentorship persist, stifling their potential, and understanding this context is crucial as we explore how Mahama’s vision for a 24-hour economy can address these pressing issues.

By shifting to a more dynamic and round-the-clock economic model, the aim is to create an environment where job opportunities are plentiful, flexibility is prioritised, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth can flourish.

This approach promises not only to enhance job availability but also to empower the youth to take control of their economic futures in a rapidly changing world.

Anthony Obeng Afrane