The latest Ghana Human Development Report 2023 (GNHDR), published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reveals that youth aged 15-24 face disproportionately high unemployment rates, with a significant 65 percent experiencing joblessness.

Released in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the report indicates that the informal sector comprises 75 percent of the workforce. Despite robust economic growth over the past decade, youth unemployment and underemployment persist as major challenges.

This trend poses implications for the country's long-term development goals and human development, underscoring the necessity for targeted interventions to tackle youth unemployment and foster inclusive economic growth.

Themed 'The Future Value of Work in Ghana: Pathways to Sustainable Jobs,' the report was crafted through extensive research, collaboration, and nationwide consultations. It serves as a critical tool for policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders in formulating strategies for sustainable development.

The report stresses the importance of bridging the gap between current opportunities and the future of work through strategic investments in human capital and infrastructure. This approach aims to create an enabling environment for sustainable job creation for all.

It advocates for reimagining educational programs to incorporate STEM/STEAM education and entrepreneurial training, preparing youth for future job markets. Additionally, it recommends streamlining regulations and providing targeted training to formalize the informal sector, thereby generating more stable job opportunities.

At the launch in Accra, Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasized the necessity of investing in human capital and enhancing technology access for achieving long-term development goals and reducing unemployment.

Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, Director-General of NDPC, highlighted that by investing in infrastructure and promoting entrepreneurship, Ghana can harness the potential of its youth and informal sector, driving socio-economic transformation and job creation.

He announced plans to incorporate the report's insights into the next medium-term national development policy framework, shaping strategic directions from 2026 to 2029.

The Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, stressed the report's significance in understanding the intersection between work and human development. He urged stakeholders to adopt policies that foster inclusive growth and sustainable job creation, enhancing development plans across various levels of governance.

“Development is not about numbers but people, however, de­velopment will not occur without statistics. Let’s communicate and own the report for sustainable development of the country,” he added.