GSS: Ghana’s Jobless Rate Falls Slightly, Youth Unemployment Still High

Ghana’s national unemployment rate saw a modest decline at the close of 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The July 2025 edition of the Quarterly Labour Statistics reveals that while the overall unemployment rate dipped slightly, youth unemployment continues to be a major socio-economic challenge.

Addressing the media during the release of the report, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu disclosed that the unemployment rate fell from 13.3% in the third quarter to 13.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The report is based on data gathered from over 9,000 households across the country and provides a snapshot of Ghana’s labour market dynamics.

“Although the national figure shows slight improvement, it masks a worrying trend among young people,” Dr. Iddrisu noted. “Youth unemployment continues to hover at concerning levels, indicating persistent structural issues in the job market.”

The statistics paint a stark picture: unemployment among individuals aged 15 to 35 stood at 22.5% in 2024, while those aged 15 to 24 faced an even higher rate of 32%. These numbers highlight the challenges young Ghanaians face in securing employment and transitioning into the workforce after education or training.

Dr. Iddrisu stressed that addressing youth unemployment must be a top priority. He highlighted the mismatch between skills acquired through education and the actual needs of the labour market as a key issue contributing to high joblessness among the youth.

“The situation demands more than incremental changes,” he said. “We need strategic and targeted interventions that not only create jobs but also equip our young population with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.”

Among the initiatives mentioned was the government’s “24-hour economy” policy, aimed at stimulating economic activity beyond traditional business hours. According to Dr. Iddrisu, this could open up new employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, by enabling businesses to operate in shifts and expand their workforce.

However, he emphasized that such policies must be part of a broader employment strategy that includes reskilling programs, improved access to vocational education, and stronger linkages between education providers and industry players.

In its latest report, the GSS also outlined several recommendations to tackle labour underutilization and reduce unemployment across all age groups. These include scaling up apprenticeship programs, expanding graduate placement initiatives, and strengthening job-matching services across the country.

“There’s a need to invest in technical and vocational training, especially in growth sectors like digital technology, green industries, and industrial manufacturing,” Dr. Iddrisu suggested. “Moreover, we urge the government to enhance access to credit for small businesses, as they hold enormous potential to generate employment, particularly for young people and women.”

The report also called for reforms in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to ensure that the skills being taught are aligned with actual labour market demand. By tailoring training to meet industry needs, more young people could be prepared for meaningful employment after graduation.

While the marginal decline in national unemployment is a positive sign, the high youth joblessness rate remains a cause for concern. The GSS report warns that without deliberate, inclusive, and sustained policy action, the benefits of economic growth may not be widely shared, especially among the country’s largest demographic group—its youth.

In conclusion, Ghana’s labour market is at a crossroads. Modest progress on the national front must now be matched by aggressive efforts to address the structural barriers keeping young people out of work. Policymakers are being urged to prioritize employment creation, improve skill development systems, and promote policies that will unlock the potential of Ghana’s young workforce.