Ghana is facing growing structural unemployment because universities continue to produce graduates in fields that do not match industry needs, former President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned. Speaking at the Doha Forum on Economic Empowerment in Africa: Pathway to Inclusive Prosperity on December 6, 2025, Mahama stressed that employers are urgently looking for middle-level technicians, not more graduates with academic qualifications that do not align with job openings.
Mismatch Between University Output and Job Market Demand
President Mahama highlighted a widening gap between what industries require and what Ghanaian universities produce. He explained that although Ghana has many young graduates, employers still struggle to find the technical talent needed to fill critical positions.
Key Concern
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Companies are looking for carpenters, plumbers, auto mechanics, electricians, agro-processors, and digital technicians.
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Yet universities continue to graduate large numbers in business administration, marketing, and the humanities.
Mahama stated:
“If you go and speak to captains of industry in Ghana, they are looking for middle-level technicians more than professors and other high academic laurels.”
This, he said, is the core reason Ghana has jobs available but unfilled, describing it as a classic case of structural unemployment—where the jobs exist, but the skills do not.
National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) as a Response
In line with Mahama’s argument, the government’s National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) is expanding technical and vocational training across the country.
NAP Key Features
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Launched in April
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Provides practical skills training in:
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Carpentry
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Plumbing
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Auto mechanics
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Electrical work
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Tailoring
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Agro-processing
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Current target: 10,000 apprentices across all 261 districts
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Expansion plan: 100,000 trainees annually
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Special slots for women and persons with disabilities
The programme aims to equip Ghana’s youth with hands-on skills that industries urgently need.
Preparing Ghana’s Youth for the Digital Economy
President Mahama also urged Ghana to intensify digital skills training, warning that the future job market will be dominated by technology-related roles.
He noted:
“By 2030, there are going to be 230 million digital jobs in Africa. We have to equip our young people with the skills to take advantage of that.”
He cautioned that young people without skills are vulnerable to dangerous influences:
“We have so many young people ready to be hired, to be rented by bad guys—the drug people, the terrorists and all these criminals.”
Why Ghana Must Prioritize Technical, Vocational, and Digital Skills
1. Employers Need Practical Skills
Industries require technicians who can build, repair, maintain, and innovate—not only academic theorists.
2. Reduces Youth Unemployment
Vocational and digital training prepares young people for real jobs that exist now.
3. Strengthens National Development
A skilled workforce improves productivity and economic resilience.
4. Protects Youth from Social Risks
Skills and stable work reduce vulnerability to crime, exploitation, and extremism.
FAQs
1. What is structural unemployment?
It occurs when available jobs require skills that unemployed individuals do not possess.
2. Why is Ghana facing structural unemployment?
Universities are producing graduates in fields that do not match current industry needs.
3. Which sectors are urgently looking for workers?
Technical fields such as plumbing, electricals, auto mechanics, construction, agro-processing, and ICT.
4. What is the purpose of the National Apprenticeship Programme?
To equip young people with practical, employable skills across all 261 districts.
5. How will digital training help Ghanaian youth?
It prepares them for the predicted 230 million digital jobs expected across Africa by 2030.
