Ghana Statistical Service reports youth unemployment rate reaches 32.4%

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has released its "Ghana in Numbers, 2025" report, highlighting a stark disparity between national and youth unemployment figures. According to the report, the unemployment rate for Ghanaians aged 15 to 24 has reached 32.4%, a figure that is more than double the national average of 12.8%. This data underscores the persistent structural challenges facing the country's younger workforce as they attempt to secure stable positions in the formal economy.

The report provides a broader look at the 15-35 age bracket, which now comprises approximately 12 million people in Ghana. Within this demographic, the unemployment rate stands at 21.9%. Furthermore, the GSS identified that 17.9% of those aged 15 to 35 are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). This particular metric reveals a significant gender gap, as women make up more than 60% of the individuals classified as NEET, pointing to specific socio-economic barriers for young women.

Beyond the total number of jobless citizens, the GSS raised alarms regarding the quality of existing employment. Currently, 70% of employed youth are working within the informal sector, which frequently lacks social protections, benefits, and income security. Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu emphasized that as Ghana’s demographic window begins to tighten, there is an urgent need to address job quality and align educational outcomes with actual market demands.

The findings serve as a critical indicator for the administration of President John Mahama as it evaluates economic and industrial policies. The high concentration of youth in informal work and the rising NEET rates suggest that current interventions must be scaled to absorb the growing number of young entrants into the workforce. Dr. Iddrisu's analysis suggests that without targeted intervention, the potential of Ghana’s "youth bulge" could become an economic liability rather than a driver of growth.