 says almost two million young Ghanaians are currently without work, and are also not in school or any training programme. This is according to a new GSS report released on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to mark World Population Day. The report shows that Ghanaians between the ages of 15 and 35 now make up 36.9% of the country's population. This is a rise from 34.6% back in 2000. Despite this growing youth population, many young people cannot find work. Youth unemployment averaged 21.9% during the first three quarters of 2025. This is almost double the national unemployment rate, which stood at 12.8% over the same period. "National unemployment averaged 12.8 percent during the period, while unemployment among young people aged 15 to 35 averaged 21.9 percent, nearly twice the national rate," the GSS stated.){kind=link}
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) says almost two million young Ghanaians are currently without work, and are also not in school or any training programme.
This is according to a new GSS report released on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to mark World Population Day.
The report shows that Ghanaians between the ages of 15 and 35 now make up 36.9% of the country’s population. This is a rise from 34.6% back in 2000.
Despite this growing youth population, many young people cannot find work. Youth unemployment averaged 21.9% during the first three quarters of 2025. This is almost double the national unemployment rate, which stood at 12.8% over the same period.
“National unemployment averaged 12.8 percent during the period, while unemployment among young people aged 15 to 35 averaged 21.9 percent, nearly twice the national rate,” the GSS stated.
Which regions are worst affected?
The report shows that the Greater Accra Region has the highest youth unemployment rate in the country, at 31.9%. The Central Region follows with 27.4%, and the Ashanti Region comes third with 27.2%.
About two million youth are NEET
The GSS also revealed that close to two million young people, making up 19.5% of the youth population, fall under what is called NEET — meaning they are Not in Education, Employment or Training.
What needs to be done
To fix the problem, the GSS says the country must invest more in technical and vocational education. It also called for better systems to help young people move smoothly from school into the job market, as well as stronger support for youth entrepreneurship.