Employment has been a persistent issue for many years. Many youths in Ghana are struggling to make ends meet without a steady job. For this reason, it is affecting their inability to pay for necessities such as housing, food, and transportation. The limited job opportunities in Ghana push the youth to indulge themselves in forced labor and human trafficking, which is also leading to an increase in criminal activities.
The mental health of the youth is affected by this, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The youth of today, most especially the males, are now involved in cybercrime, and some ladies target the older men to have sexual encounters with them before they are able to pay for their necessities. Others also practice “hooking up” for a living, which comes with so many negative outcomes such as emotional and psychological injury, sexual violence, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies.
Another factor contributing to youth unemployment is skill mismatch. Many young people lack the skills and qualifications that are in demand by employers. This is due to the education system and the limited job opportunities available to the youth. In Ghana, the education system does not provide students with the necessary practical skills that are in demand on the job market; hence, graduates find it difficult to secure employment, and employers also struggle to find qualified workers.
Low employment rates can have a significant impact on the well-being and future prospects of youth. Therefore, it is important for employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to prioritize strategies that can increase employment opportunities and support the development of skills and experience among young people. This can include investing in education and vocational training programs, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling environment for job creation.