The Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has assured the youth of the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment by creating sustainable job opportunities.
Speaking on this matter, Dr. Pelpuo acknowledged the frustrations of unemployed youth but urged them to remain patient as the government implements measures to stabilize the economy and generate employment avenues.
“It is understandable to be anxious, but don’t get frustrated. We are on the verge of creating jobs for you,” he emphasized, calling for calm and trust in the government’s plans.
The Minister explained that the current administration, which has been in office for just three months, inherited a challenging economic situation that requires urgent attention before large-scale job creation can be achieved.
“We’ve had less than three months to diagnose the issues plaguing the economy, and we are taking deliberate steps to resolve them. It is not an easy task, but we are determined to get the economy back on track,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
Allegations of Mismanagement
Dr. Pelpuo also pointed to alleged financial mismanagement by officials of the previous government as a major obstacle to progress. He cited the Attorney-General’s recent revelations about the misuse of state funds, which he described as alarming.
“It’s frightening how public money meant for national development has been squandered. We are working to recover these stolen funds to reinvest in job creation and put the youth in a position of productivity,” he explained.
A Call to Boost Local Industries
Adding to the discussion, economist Dr. Peter Quartey highlighted the structural issues fueling unemployment, particularly Ghana’s heavy reliance on imports.
“Unemployment is a significant concern, currently hovering around 14%. To address it, we must focus on agriculture and manufacturing,” he said.
Dr. Quartey stressed that the country’s overdependence on imports not only drains foreign exchange but also undermines local job creation. “The more we import, the more jobs we create for other countries. It’s time we prioritized consuming what we produce,” he advised.
Hope for the Future
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the unemployed. He called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, to support the agenda of job creation and economic revitalization.
“Our focus is clear—rebuilding the economy, recovering lost funds, and putting our youth to work. Together, we can turn the tide on unemployment,” Dr. Pelpuo assured.
This message comes as a beacon of hope for many Ghanaians, especially the youth, who have long awaited tangible efforts to resolve the nation’s unemployment crisis.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
