Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba, says Ghanaians are tired of rhetoric and want clear, workable solutions to the country’s unemployment challenge.
According to him, the unemployment situation remains persistent and complex, driven by several factors including technological advancement, globalization and broader economic fluctuations.
“Machines are now doing work that human beings used to do, and globalization is pushing jobs to countries where labour is cheaper,” he explained, noting that understanding the causes of unemployment is key to addressing it.
Amaliba argued that the conversation must move beyond political commentary to practical interventions that equip citizens with employable skills.
He identified technical and vocational education, skills training, and structured job placement as critical areas the country must prioritize.
“We are importing things that we can easily produce locally if we train our people properly,” he said, stressing that skills development would empower individuals to create opportunities for themselves.
He also pointed to small and medium-sized enterprises as a major avenue for absorbing unemployed youth, urging the state to provide SMEs with the needed resources and access to capital.
Amaliba welcomed recent data suggesting a reduction in unemployment, describing it as a positive sign that ongoing policies are beginning to yield results.
Defending the government’s 24-hour economy policy, he explained that it is a gradual rollout designed to expand production, boost exports, and ultimately create jobs.
“Every programme has its own characteristics. You don’t judge it only by past experiences,” he stated, urging critics to allow the policy time to take full effect.
On women-focused economic interventions, Amaliba referenced the Women’s Development Bank, noting that funding has been significantly increased in the current budget.
“In the 2024 budget, the amount was not enough to capitalise the bank, but now we are close to 500 million cedis, above the Bank of Ghana threshold,” he said, adding that the bank is now better positioned to take off and support women-led businesses.
