Youth unemployment in Ghana remains persistently high at about 30% among people aged 15 to 24, despite signs of improving economic conditions and a modest decline in poverty, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In its latest country report on Ghana, the IMF said unemployment, particularly among young people, continues to pose a significant challenge, even as inflation eases and growth strengthens in key sectors of the economy.
The Fund noted that social conditions remain difficult despite existing government interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable groups
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According to the report, the World Bank estimates that Ghana’s poverty rate declined to 37.1% in 2025 from 38.9% in 2022, driven by lower inflation and stronger growth in the agriculture and services sectors.
However, the IMF said these gains have not translated into sufficient employment opportunities for young people, with youth unemployment remaining at around 30%.
The report said the government’s Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework for 2026–2029 places emphasis on expanding labour-intensive sectors as part of efforts to create more jobs and support inclusive economic growth.
The IMF also highlighted persistent gaps in Ghana’s social protection system, saying existing support measures are insufficient to adequately shield vulnerable households from economic shocks.
While acknowledging improvements in education outcomes, the Fund noted that secondary school enrolment remains below the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“In the context of ongoing fiscal discipline, global uncertainty, and ongoing utility tariff adjustments, strengthening social safety nets and implementing well-targeted social policies is essential to protect the most vulnerable from the adverse impacts of macroeconomic shocks”, it concluded.
Meanwhile, Ghana is implementing a three-year economic reform programme supported by the IMF, aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, reducing inflation, improving debt sustainability and laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth. Although recent economic indicators point to gradual recovery, unemployment, especially among young people, remains one of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
By Coffie Mawuedem Noel
