Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called on Ghanaian youth to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and cooperatives as key drivers of sustainable livelihoods and national development.
Speaking at the African Youth Day Ministerial Youth Dialogue in Accra on November 1, under the theme “Accountability, Policy, and Youth-led Solutions for National Development,” Dr. Pelpuo encouraged young people to form cooperatives as a practical way to create jobs and support one another.
“If you want to go into mining, we will work with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. If you prefer farming, we will link you with the Ministry of Agriculture. For trade and enterprise, we will collaborate with the Ghana Enterprises Agency,” Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo said.
The Minister highlighted that many young Ghanaians are increasingly seeking opportunities to develop their skills rather than depending on handouts.
“Young people don’t want people to give them money – they want to develop themselves. Many who are unemployed wish to go back to school or acquire skills to be productive,” he said.
Responding to youth proposals for the establishment of regional employment and information desks, Dr. Pelpuo announced that the Ministry is developing a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) to provide real-time job data and opportunities nationwide.
“The system will allow you to find all available jobs in Ghana and apply electronically. By next year, we expect both regional and district job information desks to be operational,” he revealed.
He further disclosed ongoing collaborations with other ministries to formalize graduate placement, apprenticeship, and overseas job programs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating safe and structured pathways for Ghanaians seeking employment abroad.
On the subject of fiscal prudence in public employment, Dr. Pelpuo noted that while the government continues to regularize the employment of teachers and nurses, the public sector alone cannot absorb all job seekers.
“The formal sector is not the only place to work. Let us think differently, innovate, and create opportunities that are uniquely Ghanaian,” he urged.
Drawing inspiration from global youth-led innovations such as Facebook, Microsoft, and TikTok, Dr. Pelpuo challenged Ghanaian youth to develop homegrown solutions capable of transforming society.
“A young Kenyan developed mobile money, and it transformed Africa. What will the young Ghanaian create for Ghana?” he asked.
The Minister concluded by reminding young people to make productive use of their time and talents.
“Youth is a transition – you can’t be young forever. By the time you become an adult, you should have achieved something meaningful,” he advised.
