A recent episode of the Youth Unplugged Podcast produced by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has highlighted growing concerns about youth unemployment and democratic accountability in Ghana.
Hosted by Jude Duncan, the episode featured Fabien Appiah and Samuel Ackom. The discussion focused on assessing the first year of John Dramani Mahama and whether his administration is delivering on its democratic promises.
Unemployment emerged as a central issue. Samuel Ackom said joblessness among young people continues to rise, despite population growth being a possible factor. He recounted a graduation ceremony where many students were uncertain about their future. One graduate told him they had completed school but did not know what job to pursue.
Data from Afrobarometer Round 10 shows unemployment remains a top priority across Africa, with about 39 percent of young adults across 39 countries unemployed and actively seeking work.
The panel examined government interventions such as One District One Factory and the proposed 24-hour economy. While both were acknowledged as important ideas, their impact was questioned. Fabien Appiah said public resources are sometimes misallocated and could be better directed toward job creation. He cited spending priorities such as jets and suggested those funds could support sectors like the security services.
Jude Duncan noted that many young people are turning to security services for stable employment rather than career interest. Samuel Ackom added that overreliance on public sector jobs places pressure on the national budget and limits broader economic growth. He argued for stronger investment in industrialisation and private sector development.
As an example, the panel pointed to MTN Ghana MoMo, which has created informal and semi formal jobs for many young people. They said this demonstrates how private sector innovation can generate employment at scale.
The discussion also reviewed the performance of President Mahama’s administration. Samuel Ackom rated the first year of the Mahama Administration as six out of ten, describing it as moderate progress.
Attention was also given to the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, aimed at retrieving allegedly misappropriated state funds. Fabien Appiah said the initiative was ineffective from the start and raised concerns about its legal handling.
Jude Duncan questioned whether the political class is prioritising its own interests over those of citizens, especially young people. The comment reflects broader public concerns about accountability.
The panel concluded that unemployment in Ghana is not only an economic issue but a governance challenge. They said that without improved implementation of policies and a stronger focus on private sector growth, many young people will continue to face uncertainty after school.
Watch the full episode below.
