The Ministry of Labour has partnered with the global employment initiative, Instead, to tackle youth unemployment in Ghana. This collaboration will provide practical skills training and job creation programmes for young people. The initiative aims to equip them with marketable skills and improve their job readiness. It is expected to support the government’s agenda for employment.
Instead plans to build a physical training campus in Ghana. Young people will undergo a nine-month hands-on training programme. This training will equip them with practical skills for immediate entry into the job market. Nicolas Gasser, Global Chief Operations Officer for Instead, highlighted that youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge despite Ghana’s economic growth. He noted that the initiative will also help attract investors by creating a skilled labour pool. "Having investors come into Ghana and having these skilled people means we can grow the economy together," Gasser stated.
Ghana's youth unemployment rate is a significant concern. Official data from the Ghana Statistical Service shows 34.4% youth unemployment in the third quarter of 2025. The Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing unemployment. He highlighted the need to train and equip young people to close the job gap. "A key thing this institute is bringing out is to get the people who have finished school, train them, equip them, and give them a job," he said.
The partnership is designed to complement government efforts in reducing unemployment. It also aims to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as an investment destination. The programme's focus on practical skills and job placement is expected to yield tangible results. Officials hope this will lead to increased private sector investment and industrial growth. The initiative signals a proactive approach to addressing a critical socio-economic issue.