A youth group named BuzStopBoys has presented a job creation plan to the government. The proposal aims to employ young people for road sanitation. It suggests assigning five young workers to every five-kilometre section of road nationwide. This initiative could create over one million jobs, according to the group's founder, Heneba Kwadwo Safo.
The model focuses on cleaning and environmental upkeep. Young people would be responsible for sweeping and maintaining green spaces along roads. Safo explained that this structured system could absorb a large number of unemployed youth. He calculated that 250,000 road networks multiplied by five workers per segment would yield substantial employment. This aims to formalise sanitation work, treating it as a regular 9-to-5 job.
Ghana faces significant youth unemployment challenges. Recent reports show the youth unemployment rate remains a concern for policymakers. This proposal offers a potential solution by integrating job creation with essential public service. In 2022, the International Labour Organisation reported that youth employment in sub-Saharan Africa was a key issue. This initiative could contribute to addressing a fraction of that national challenge, focusing on visible environmental improvements.
Heneba Kwadwo Safo stated the initiative requires government adoption of a structured approach. He believes linking road maintenance with youth employment and digital platforms is key. "We have more than one million road network in the whole country," Safo said in an interview. "On every 5 kilometres of road, we should deploy five youth there." He also suggested integrating social media. Sanitation content creation could supplement worker income.
The proposal has implications for local economies and environmental management. If implemented, it could lead to cleaner roads and reduce street litter. It also offers a pathway to formal employment and income for young Ghanaians. Decision-makers will consider the feasibility and cost of such a large-scale programme. Paying workers a competitive salary, with starting salaries for graduates around GHS 2,000, is part of the proposal to ensure dignity and attractiveness of the jobs.