Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has voiced strong concern over Ghana’s escalating youth unemployment rate, describing it as a troubling indicator of governmental shortcomings in addressing the needs of the younger generation.
Speaking at a recent public engagement, Mr. Afenyo-Markin cited new data revealing that 32 percent of Ghanaian youth are currently unemployed. He characterized the figure as alarming and warned that persistent joblessness among young people poses a serious threat to national development and social cohesion.
“Successive governments have failed to create sustainable employment opportunities despite numerous initiatives and promises,” he stated. “Many skilled graduates remain without jobs, while others are compelled to accept low-paying or unstable work. We cannot continue to ignore the frustrations of our young people.”
The MP emphasized the need for practical, results-oriented solutions, urging a shift away from political rhetoric. He called for enhanced collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and educational bodies to better align academic training with labor market demands.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also advocated for increased support for entrepreneurship and innovation, identifying them as critical engines for job creation. He stressed that tackling youth unemployment requires transparency, consistency, and strategic investment in sectors capable of absorbing the growing labor force.
“Our young people are the future of this country. If we fail them, we fail Ghana,” he declared.
His remarks have reignited public discourse on the effectiveness of current employment policies and the adequacy of government-led programs aimed at reducing youth joblessness.
