Former Minister Outlines Strategic Roadmap to Create Jobs and Empower the Next Generation
Amid growing concerns over youth unemployment in Ghana, former Minister for Information and Member of Parliament, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has proposed five key interventions aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities and unlocking the potential of the country’s youthful population.
Speaking on the pressing challenge facing thousands of graduates and job seekers across the nation, Oppong Nkrumah stressed the need for deliberate policies that prioritize job creation, skills development and private sector growth.
According to him, tackling unemployment requires a comprehensive national strategy that addresses both the demand and supply sides of the labour market.
1. Boost Private Sector Growth
Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the need for policies that support businesses to expand and create more jobs. He noted that a thriving private sector remains the most sustainable source of employment and should receive greater support through improved access to finance, tax incentives and a conducive business environment.
2. Invest in Skills Development
The former minister called for increased investment in technical, vocational and digital skills training to equip young people with competencies that match the demands of the modern job market.
3. Strengthen Entrepreneurship Support
He advocated stronger support systems for young entrepreneurs, including access to startup capital, mentorship programmes and business development services that can help transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
4. Expand Opportunities in Emerging Industries
Oppong Nkrumah highlighted the potential of sectors such as technology, agribusiness, renewable energy and the creative economy to generate large-scale employment opportunities for the youth.
5. Improve Industry-Education Linkages
He also stressed the importance of aligning educational curricula with industry needs to reduce the mismatch between graduate qualifications and available jobs, thereby enhancing employability.
Urgent Call for Action
Oppong Nkrumah warned that youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges and requires urgent, coordinated action from government, the private sector and educational institutions.
He expressed confidence that with the right policies and investments, Ghana can harness the energy, creativity and talent of its young population to drive economic growth and national development.
His proposals have sparked discussions among policymakers, business leaders and youth groups, many of whom view the recommendations as practical steps toward addressing the unemployment challenge and creating a brighter future for the country’s young people.
