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17.11.2023 Feature Article

The Government of Ghana Must Create Job Opportunities for the Youth to Avoid Any Political Upheaval in the Country.

The Government of Ghana Must Create Job Opportunities for the Youth to Avoid Any Political Upheaval in the Country.
17.11.2023 LISTEN

Ghana, often hailed as a stable and democratic nation in West Africa, has made significant progress over the years in various aspects of development. However, like many countries, it faces the challenge of ensuring that its growing youth population has access to meaningful employment opportunities. The importance of providing jobs for the youth cannot be overstated, as failure to do so can have serious political and social consequences.

The country is blessed with a vibrant population of youth. However, this youthful population is a double-edged sword. Ghana's youthful population is often considered a demographic advantage, with the potential to drive economic growth and development. However, it also poses a significant challenge when a large segment of this demographic remains unemployed or underemployed. The youth swelling, if not properly harnessed, can become a source of social unrest and instability. It is no surprise that social media has increasingly been flooded with all manner of scams aimed at taking advantage of innocent in society.

High youth unemployment places a considerable burden on families and communities as the youth struggle to find means of sustenance. This can lead to a surge in poverty, an increase in crime rates, and social tensions. This economic pressure mounted on the shoulders of the youth must therefore be taken off by the government in a way. Creating job opportunities for the youth in the country is therefore the way to go.

It's often said that the devil finds a job for the idle man. Unemployed youth, feeling disillusioned and marginalized, may become politically active in ways that challenge the government. Protests, strikes, and other forms of political activism can disrupt stability and pose risks to the existing political order. Ghana in one way or another is enjoying some political tranquility but if the necessary steps are not taken to engage the teeming youth, this political stability and peace may be lost.

To avoid the potential consequences of a disgruntled and unemployed youth population, the Ghanaian government must prioritize job creation. This effort should encompass various sectors and strategies. The private sector is doing well but not enough because most government institutions are choked either with overages workforce or unqualified but favoured selection of workers. This isn't too good for a country like Ghana that is abound with knowledgeable youth who are willing to work but are not politically favoured or prevents from being employed owing to nepotism and favouritism.

Ghana must diversify its economy to reduce the overreliance of the youth on illegal mining(Galamsey). Encouraging growth in agriculture, industries like technology, manufacturing, and services can provide a wider range of employment opportunities for the youth. Aside from the overreliance on illegal mining by the youth which causes deaths and reduces the youth population, it also destroys our environment by polluting our water bodies, causing deforestation, and impairing our farmlands. Something seriously must be done about it because the lives of our youth can't be hinged on this destructible venture.

Promoting entrepreneurship and providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises can be a source of job creation. This includes access to affordable credit, business training, and other resources to help young entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses. What is however pathetic about improving the employability aspect of the youth through the above mentioned solution is political motives. Most of these loans, workshops, and training sessions are giving to the wrong people leaving out those who need them. We must depoliticised job opportunities within the youth or risk creating a volatile situation in this country soon.

Education and Skill Development: Investing in education and skills development is crucial. Preparing the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in the job market is essential. Vocational and technical training, as well as quality higher education, are paramount.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government and private sector can facilitate job creation. Incentives and policies that encourage private enterprises to expand and hire more workers can be instrumental.

Rural Development: While urban areas often attract job seekers, rural development programs can reduce urban migration and create employment opportunities in rural regions.

The government of Ghana faces a critical challenge in ensuring that the country's youth have access to meaningful employment opportunities. Failing to address the issue of youth unemployment can lead to social and political instability. The consequences of political upheaval are something no nation can afford.

By diversifying the economy, promoting entrepreneurship, investing in education and skills development, fostering public-private partnerships, and focusing on rural development, Ghana can create a conducive environment for job growth. This not only benefits the youth but also contributes to the overall development and stability of the nation.

In conclusion, Ghana must recognize the importance of addressing youth unemployment as a priority, not only to avoid political upheaval but also to unlock the immense potential and creativity of its youth, driving the nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future. There is therefore a pressing need for the government of Ghana to create job opportunities for the youth to maintain stability avoid potential political upheaval, and unlock the potential and creativity of the youth.

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