A Labour Economist at Ghana Statistical Serrvice (GSS), Anthony Oduro-Denkyirah, has proposed a number of policy directions which when addressed, could help to address the challenge of the large number of the country’s who are completely idle.
A study by the GSS has shown that almost two million youth are not in education, employment or training (NEET) has fallen by almost half a million as at the third quarter of last year
Key policy directions
He made the proposal through a written interview saying that, first, there is a need to increase investment which has the potential for youth employment creation in the area of green, digital and care economies.
To him, this does not only create direct employment opportunities but also spurs economic activity that leads to employment creation in related industries.Mr Oduo-Denkyira also pointed to the need to implement what he described as Active Labour Market(ALMPs) in combination with income support measures.
That, to him, will help tackle youth unemployment and inactivity. In order to make it effective, they can be in the form of integrated packages that combine employment services, employment creation programmes, subsidised employment and wages, as well as training, entrepreneurship promotion and self-employment.
Additionally, this could be linked to income support and implemented in close collaboration with local stakeholders local stakeholders to reach the most disadvantaged youth who could not participate in the programmes above.
Thirdly, he said there is need to provide access to affordable credit — This facilitates business start-ups and thier expansion, supporting employment creation and enterpreneurship by young people. Access to credit, he maintained, can be vital to young entrepreneurs who may face challenges in obtaining financing through conventional channels such as commercial banks.
Mr Oduo-Denkyira said investment in public education and training for expanding sectors is equally crucial under the circumstance.
This includes investing in quality public education and TVET, especially quality apprenticeships. Equipping young people with relevant competencies and skill will facilitate thier transition into the labour market.
He said there is also the need to consider youth employment outcomes in macroeconomic policy choice – Advocate for macroeconomic policies that support better employment opportunities for young people.