As the Finance Minister prepares to present the 2026 Budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 14, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is urging government to clearly outline measures for job creation, particularly for the youth.
The call comes in the wake of the recent tragic incidents at the El-Wak Stadium during an ongoing recruitment exercise. The TUC says the loss of lives is a stark reminder of the country’s deepening unemployment crisis and the urgent need for sustainable job opportunities.
Deputy Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, said the high demand for limited job openings demonstrates the scale of Ghana’s unemployment challenge.
“There are recruitments for teachers and nurses, and today we have seen what has happened at El-Wak because of the huge unemployment we have on our hands,” Dr. Otoo said. “These young people who have unfortunately lost their lives are sending a message to government that it must do more to address the unemployment challenge.”
He added that government must support the private sector, especially in manufacturing, to expand production and create more employment opportunities.
“Our government must do everything to support the private sector, particularly those in manufacturing, to produce and to expand their businesses so they can recruit more,” he noted.
Dr. Otoo also called for a national dialogue on the country’s pension system, stressing the need for reforms to secure workers’ retirement benefits.
“There are issues about our pensions, and we need to tell government to organise a national consultative dialogue to address pension matters in the country, especially with the second-tier scheme,” he said.
The General Secretary of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), King James Azortibah, also appealed to the Finance Minister not to introduce any new taxes in the upcoming budget.
“The fiscal policy and inflation should remain at a single digit, and we are also asking the Finance Minister not to introduce new taxes in the budget,” Azortibah stated.
He further emphasized the need for targeted job creation initiatives to support both the youth and those nearing retirement.
“Workers who are retiring, those migrating, and students in nursing colleges all need to be employed. We know government has plans to recruit more into the public service, and this will help address the unemployment situation,” he added.
The Finance Minister is expected to outline government’s spending priorities and economic targets for the coming year when he presents the 2026 Budget to Parliament on Thursday.
