The canker of unemployment eats deep into all aspects of the life of a Ghanaian, most especially the youth. The cost of educating an individual from infancy to the tertiary level is no child’s play and is financially burdensome. However, the hope hinged on being gainfully employed after graduation sublimes, leaving us with the harsh realities of life in Ghana.

The economic struggles of the country, catalyzed by corruption and an ever-increasing population, are inflicting unbearable suffering on the Ghanaian people. The Ghanaian Times reports that about 1.74 million people, which is equivalent to 13.4% of the total working population of 13 million aged 15 years and above, have a job. What happens to the rest of the 11.26 million people? How do they fend for themselves and their families? Of what essence has educating one’s self over the years been, when one tends to become a burden to both one’s self and to the people who laboured to take care of him or her?

Some so many individuals graduate from school every year. Most employers, as a bottom-line qualification, demand that an employee holds a university degree to qualify for employment that is presumably high paying. These individuals stretch themselves to the best of their capacities to achieve this feat. They step into the world of work so confident of landing a job since they have met the important criteria of being educated only to be met with shocks that can frustrate them and ultimately, make them question their worth. The question most of these individuals are met with is their inability to start their businesses. How many individuals have the startup capital to commence their businesses? Has the government made adequate provisions to help such individuals from low-income earning homes? The conversation of startups must be made when the government has made adequate and intentional plans for businesses. So many individuals are leaving the country for greener pastures because they are suffering. Thus, the Government must provide individuals with capital, to enable them to start their businesses.

The private sector must promote job creation. They must give jobs to deserving individuals and shun the practice of giving jobs to individuals through the ‘protocol’ system. Favoritism, Nepotism, Cronyism, and any other unfair conditions of employment that tend to favor certain people over other prospective employees must be shelved.

Employment is a big part of every economy in any country. There are dependents whose entire lives and sustenance depend on the working class. As such, these beneficiaries are most likely to suffer hardships even death, should their benefactors lose their jobs. Can you imagine the level of pain and disappointment they will have to endure?