A recent report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed a startling statistic: 1.9 million youth in Ghana are not engaged in education, employment, or training. This phenomenon, known as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), poses a significant threat to the country’s economic growth, social stability, and national security.

Demographic Breakdown

The GSS report provides a detailed demographic breakdown of the NEET population. Females account for 1.2 million (63%) of the total NEET population, while males make up 715,691 (37%). The age group most affected is 15-24 years, with 1.3 million youth in this bracket not engaged in any form of education, employment, or training.

Regional Disparities

The report highlights significant regional disparities in NEET rates. The Greater Accra Region has the highest NEET rate, with 26.9% of the population aged 15-35 not engaged in education, employment, or training. The North East Region follows closely, with 21.1% of the youth population in this category. All regions, except Bono East (8.3%), have NEET rates in double figures.

Urban-Rural Divide

The report also reveals a significant urban-rural divide. The NEET rate is higher for youth in urban areas (20.6%) compared to rural residents (15%). This suggests that urbanization may not necessarily translate to better economic opportunities for young people.

Economic Implications

The idle youth population poses a significant threat to Ghana’s economic growth. The country’s economic potential is severely underutilized, as a large portion of its youth population is not contributing to the economy. This can lead to reduced economic output, decreased productivity, and increased poverty.

Social and Political Implications

The social and political implications of a large idle youth population are equally concerning. Unemployed and disengaged youth may be more likely to engage in criminal activities, political violence, or other social vices. This can lead to increased social unrest, political instability, and national security threats.

Way Forward

To address the NEET challenge, policymakers must implement targeted interventions to engage the youth population. Some recommendations include:

– Deliberate policies within the real sectors of the economy to absorb the youth
– Intentional spending in the real sectors to create jobs and growth opportunities
– Leveraging technology and artificial intelligence in sectors like agriculture to attract the youth

Conclusion

The GSS report highlights a critical issue that requires immediate attention from policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public. The idle youth population in Ghana is a ticking time bomb that can have severe economic, social, and political consequences if left unaddressed.