Nearly two million Ghanaian youth out of work, school – GSS

Nearly two million young Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 are neither employed nor pursuing education or skills training, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The figures, captured in the Ghana in Numbers 2025 report, reveal that young women make up more than 60 per cent of those affected, raising concerns about youth unemployment and economic participation in the country.

The report indicates that an average of 17.9 per cent of Ghana’s youth fell within the category known as Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) during the first three quarters of 2025.

Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, expressed concern over the situation, particularly the high proportion of young women excluded from employment and educational opportunities.

“Close to two million young people are neither working nor in education or training, what we refer to as the NEET group, and more than six in ten of them are young women,” he stated.

The report further revealed significant regional differences, with the Central Region recording the highest highlighted NEET rate of 25.3 per cent.

Urban communities also recorded a higher rate of 20.6 per cent, compared to 18 per cent in rural areas, highlighting the challenges young people face in accessing employment and training opportunities.

The findings come at a time when Ghana’s youth population is estimated at 12 million, representing approximately one-third of the country’s total population.

The GSS explained that the NEET category goes beyond unemployment, as it includes young people who are not working and are also not enrolled in any form of education or skills training.

The situation raises concerns about the country’s ability to harness its growing youthful population for national development.

Meanwhile, the Statistical Service has indicated that subsequent editions of Ghana in Numbers will provide further information on youth unemployment, informal employment, skills development and the relationship between education and job opportunities.

The initiative is expected to provide policymakers with relevant data to guide decisions aimed at improving employment opportunities and strengthening youth participation in Ghana’s economy.