Lack of Planning, Skills Mismatch Fuel Ghana’s Unemployment – Economist

Economist and legal practitioner, Lawyer Daniel A. Anim-Prempeh, has attributed Ghana’s persistent unemployment challenges to years of inadequate planning, structural gaps in the labour market, and an education system that remains largely theoretical.

Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, Lawyer Anim-Prempeh said the country’s employment policies have historically focused on adults within the formal sector, particularly those aged 35 and above, while neglecting the broader and growing population in the informal sector.

“We are where we are today because of the lack of planning over the years. When we talk about employment, the focus is often on the few people working in the formal sector, but a significant number of Ghanaians operate in the informal space,” he stated.

According to him, Ghana’s labour framework does not adequately address the realities of the informal economy, which employs the majority of the workforce. However, he noted that the ongoing review of the Labour Act presents an opportunity to correct some of these structural imbalances.

Lawyer Anim-Prempeh also criticized the country’s education system, describing it as overly “bookish” and heavily influenced by colonial-era structures that have not been sufficiently reformed to meet modern economic demands.

“Our education system is still largely theoretical. Students go to school, study theory, pass their exams, receive certificates and move on. But the practical component is missing,” he stated.

He explained that this has resulted in a growing mismatch between the number of graduates produced by tertiary institutions and the limited job opportunities available.

The situation, he said, is further compounded by a skills gap, where graduates lack the practical competencies required by employers.

Lawyer Anim-Prempeh stressed the need for institutions to combine theoretical instruction with hands-on training to better prepare students for the job market. While some technical universities previously offered structured industrial attachments, he questioned whether such practical platforms are still effectively implemented.

He urged policymakers to prioritise educational reforms that emphasise practical skills and align training with industry needs to address unemployment sustainably.