The Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, Andreas Berding, has raised concerns about the high rate of youth unemployment in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), approximately 14.7 per cent of the young population is unemployed, with over 1.3 million people aged between 15 and 35 struggling to find meaningful employment.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Ghana Career and Migration Fair in Kumasi, Mr. Berding underscored that the unemployment issue is particularly severe among vulnerable groups, especially young women, who consistently face higher unemployment rates than their male counterparts.

He stressed that the statistics represent more than just numbers, reflecting the daily struggles and untapped potential of the youth.

To address this issue, Mr. Berding explained that the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development is actively working to bridge the gap between job seekers and opportunities. One of their key initiatives is the annual Job and Career Fair, which aims to empower the youth by providing access to resources in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and skilled migration.

 Since its inception in 2019, the fair has successfully connected approximately 16,891 job seekers with 413 employers, fostering long-term career development and contributing to economic growth.

Arnold Asafu-Adjaye, the Project Manager for Wealth and Jobs Agency, described the nation's unemployment rate as "huge" and stressed the need for immediate action, warning of potential national security implications if the problem is not addressed.

He emphasised that the upcoming Ghana Career and Migration Fair, scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2024, is critical to reducing the unemployment rate and should be taken seriously.

Frederick Abakah, the Deputy Chief Labour Officer at the Labour Department, also expressed concern about the unemployment crisis, commending the Career and Migration Fair as a crucial initiative in tackling the problem.