A recent report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reveals that nearly two million young people in Ghana were not in employment, education, or training in the third quarter of 2025. This figure highlights the significant challenges facing the country's youth population. Many young people are neither working nor acquiring formal education or skills to improve their employment prospects. The GSS data shows that the proportion of young people aged 15 to 35 who were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) averaged 17.9% in the first three quarters of 2025.
Women account for more than 60% of the NEET group, indicating a substantial gender gap in access to employment, education, and training opportunities. The NEET rate varies across geographical areas, with urban communities standing at 20.6%, compared to 18% in rural areas. The Central Region recorded the highest regional rate at 25.3%, suggesting that a larger proportion of its young population was outside employment, education, or training during the period.
Ghana's growing youth population stood at about 12 million in 2025, representing roughly one in every three people in the country. Youth unemployment remains a major concern, with the GSS reporting that unemployment among people aged 15 to 35 averaged 21.9% in the first three quarters of 2025. This rate is higher than the national average of 12.8%. Among those aged 15 to 24, the unemployment rate was even higher at 32.4%.
The NEET and unemployment figures measure different groups. While unemployment focuses on people without work who are available and seeking employment, the NEET category also captures young people who are not actively seeking work and those who are outside both education and training. These figures underline the need for measures that expand employment opportunities while improving young people's access to education, vocational training, and skills development.
In response to these challenges, President John Dramani Mahama announced plans to commit US$2 billion annually to nine sectors of the economy over the next five years. This initiative aims to tackle unemployment and create more jobs. The proposed investment, which will amount to US$10 billion, will be implemented under the government's New Economy Policy.
The New Economy Policy will focus on productive sectors, including textiles and garments, agriculture and agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. These sectors are expected to support industrial growth and create employment opportunities. President Mahama stated that the programme would be financed with domestic resources rather than borrowed funds.
President Mahama outlined these measures during a courtesy call by chiefs from the Western North Region, where he discussed plans to strengthen the economy and expand employment through industrialisation and private-sector development. He noted that the economy was recovering from the debt default and economic crisis inherited by his administration.
Key points
- Nearly 2 million Ghanaian youth were not in employment, education, or training in the third quarter of 2025.
- Women account for more than 60% of the NEET group in Ghana.
- The government plans to invest US$10 billion over five years to tackle unemployment and create jobs.
