The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, Esq., has expressed concern over the current state of youth unemployment in Ghana, describing it as the highest recorded in the nation’s history under the tenure of Former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo .
According to him, the crisis peaked under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Mr. Ayariga made these remarks during an interview on Ghana Kasa, a morning show hosted by Sandra Akua Darkoa Koranteng popularly Known as Akua Sonto.
“Data shows that ,at the end of the NPP’s tenure, Ghana recorded the highest rate of youth unemployment since independence,” he stated. “Currently, close to 2.3 million young people remain unemployed, and the number continues to rise.”
He further noted that beyond unemployment, underemployment remains a major challenge. He described under employment as a situation where individuals are engaged in some form of work, yet earn wages that are insufficient to sustain their basic needs.
“There are many young Ghanaians who may have jobs, but their income is so low that by the end of the month, transportation costs and daily expenses consume nearly everything they earn,” he explained.
Mr. Ayariga stressed that both unemployment and underemployment have left many young people disillusioned, calling for urgent and strategic interventions to reverse the trend.
He also referenced the campaign promises of former President John Dramani Mahama, who is now back in office, noting that youth employment was a key focus of his electoral message.
“President Mahama made it clear during his campaign that addressing youth unemployment — among both graduates and non-graduates — would be a top priority,” he said.
