Ato Forson warns youth unemployment could trigger social crisis

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has warned that Ghana's unemployment challenge could develop into a social crisis if the country fails to create enough jobs for its growing population.

He said many young people who complete their education and graduate from universities risk leaving Ghana in search of better opportunities abroad, where some may struggle to find jobs that allow them to use their skills.

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Speaking during a meeting with the National House of Chiefs on Monday November 2026, Dr Forson appealed to traditional leaders to support the government's New Economy programme as part of efforts to address the country's employment challenges.

“If we fail to change this pattern, a lot of our young people, as we take them to school and universities, will leave the country and travel abroad, only to struggle for greener pastures, and sometimes they don't get to put their skills to work,” he said.

He called on the traditional leaders to work with the government to build a new economy and a shared national purpose that would improve the lives of Ghanaians.

“I therefore ask the National House of Chiefs to help the government of Ghana make a new economy and national purpose that will change the lives of our country,” he added.

The finance minister stressed that the success of the programme must be measured by improvements in people's everyday lives, including access to first jobs for young people and stable employment that allows families to plan for the future.

He also said Ghana's growing population must be matched with increased productive capacity, urging the country to build a stronger industrial base that could position it as a centre for production and business opportunities in West Africa.

Dr Forson expressed hope that with the support of traditional leaders and other stakeholders, Ghana could build a stronger economy over the next 17 years.

He said the government would also welcome ideas from the chiefs to help enrich discussions and inform the 2027 Budget.

ANAS/EB

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