Ghana records nearly 2 million youths out of education, work and training

Ghana's Statistical Service released data on 28 July marking World Population Day, showing that about two million people aged 15‑35 – roughly 19.5 % of the youth population – are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) for the third quarter of 2025. Youth unemployment peaks at 31.9 % in Greater Accra, with Central Region at 27.4 % and Ashanti at 27.2 %; the national youth unemployment average stands at 21.9 %, almost double the overall jobless rate of 12.8 %.

The report links the NEET challenge to adolescent pregnancy, noting that 15 % of girls aged 15‑19 have ever been pregnant and 11 % have already given birth, which interrupts schooling and limits future employment prospects. With young people now comprising 36.9 % of Ghana's estimated 33.7 million residents, the service urges expanded technical and vocational education, stronger school‑to‑work transition programmes, greater support for youth entrepreneurship, and investment in sectors capable of generating decent, well‑paying jobs.