The Minister for Youth Development and Employment, George Opare Addo, has sounded the alarm over rising youth unemployment in Ghana, warning that the issue poses a serious threat to national security and calling for urgent collective action. Responding to the issue, December 18, Opare Addo described the situation as alarming and stressed that it should be a major concern for all Ghanaians. “The number of unemployed people is a scary situation. It is a big national security threat, and all of us must be worried about the rising trend of youth unemployment,” he said, adding that the government is taking decisive steps to address the challenge. His remarks come on the heels of new data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which revealed that more than 1.3 million young Ghanaians were out of work, school, or training in the third quarter of 2025. The GSS reported that 1.3 million people aged 15 to 24, representing 21.5% of that age group, were classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET), further highlighting concerns over persistent labour market pressures and widening skills gaps. The Minister assured the public that the government is intensifying efforts to combat youth unemployment, with targeted measures aimed at re-engaging young people in productive economic activities as part of a broader strategy to safeguard national stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

More than 1.3 million young Ghanaians were out of work, school, or training in the third quarter of 2025, according to new data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The figures highlight persistent labour market pressures and a widening skills gap among the nation’s youth. The data show that 1.3 million people aged 15 to 24, representing 21.5 per cent of the age group—were classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET), fueling growing concerns about youth disengagement from productive economic activity. Sharp regional disparities emerged, with NEET rates among 15- to 35-year-olds ranging from 25.3 per cent in the Central Region to just 9.5 per cent in the Oti Region. This points to uneven access to jobs, education, and training opportunities across the country. Labour underutilisation also remains high, with about one in five employed persons considered underutilised. The composite labour underutilisation rate stood at 23.0 per cent in the second quarter and edged up slightly to 23.4 per cent in the third quarter, with little difference across gender or locality. Underemployment was more pronounced in rural areas, averaging 15.3 per cent in the second quarter and 14.9 per cent in the third, compared to 9.5 per cent and 9.7 per cent, respectively, in urban centres. The GSS data point to persistent skills and education mismatches in the labour market. In the third quarter, 65.8 per cent of employed persons said their skills matched job requirements, but over 10 per cent felt over-skilled—especially men and urban workers. Another 3.3 per cent reported having skills below job requirements, a trend highest among men and rural workers. Education mismatch followed a similar pattern, with 58.4 per cent of workers stating their education level matched their jobs. However, 8.2 per cent felt overqualified and 15.7 per cent underqualified, with under-qualification most prevalent in rural areas. Youth unemployment rates remained well above the national average. In the second and third quarters, unemployment averaged 32.5 per cent among those aged 15 to 24 and 21.9 per cent among people aged 15 to 35. Greater Accra recorded the highest youth unemployment rates in the third quarter, while Bono East posted the lowest, underscoring the concentration of youth joblessness in urban hubs. The GSS stressed that these findings underscore the urgent need for targeted skills development, job creation, and regional interventions to help absorb Ghana’s growing youth population into productive employment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Concerned members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Larabanga electoral area of the Damongo Constituency, Savannah Region, have voiced deep disappointment over what they describe as years of neglect and marginalisation by the party, despite their unwavering loyalty. On December 10, 2025, the group submitted a strongly worded petition to President John Dramani Mahama through the Savannah Regional Minister. In the petition, they lamented that Larabanga, a longstanding NDC stronghold, has been consistently overlooked for appointments and opportunities. The petitioners highlighted Larabanga’s vital role in defending and sustaining the NDC in the Damongo Constituency, even under challenging circumstances. Elders, youth, and families in the community, they said, have made significant sacrifices to secure electoral victories for the party, yet those efforts have gone unrewarded. “Larabanga has been the NDC’s shield,” the petition stated, noting that continued exclusion from appointments has created “deep emotional wounds” and growing disillusionment among party supporters. Emphasising that Larabanga is not a peripheral community but a cultural and spiritual pillar of the constituency, the group argued that justice and equity demand fair representation for all loyal communities, including theirs. The petitioners also pointed to the spiritual support Larabanga has provided the NDC, with local imams regularly praying for the success of President Mahama and the party. They described it as emotionally devastating that a community offering such support remains sidelined when opportunities arise. Raising political concerns, the group warned that the neglect had allowed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to gain ground in Larabanga and cautioned that, without urgent action, the NDC could lose its stronghold status in the area. They contrasted the current situation with the period when the NPP was in power, noting that Larabanga then produced a Municipal Chief Executive, a Regional Minister, and representatives on the Hajj Board—appointments not matched under the NDC government. The petition also highlighted the presence of many qualified professionals in Larabanga who remain loyal to the NDC but have not been considered for appointments. Special mention was made of the Kamara family, historically linked to the first imams of the Gonja Kingdom, whose members have served actively at the grassroots level. Party activists who led campaigns and mobilised support for the NDC now feel embarrassed to return home without evidence of inclusion or reward, the petitioners added. They argued that just a few appointments could revive the entire community and help guide local youth seeking opportunities in government institutions. The group appealed to President Mahama to appoint qualified sons and daughters of Larabanga to national and regional positions and restore the community’s standing in the party. They also called on regional and constituency leadership not to sideline Larabanga after the elections. The petition, signed by Ibrahim Abu-Nawas, Secretary and Spokesperson for the group, was copied to key party officials and local authorities. The petitioners concluded by reaffirming their spiritual and political support for President Mahama and the NDC, while pleading for fairness, inclusion, and recognition to heal the community’s longstanding wounds. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Tension gripped the town of Nalerigu in the North East Region after some youth set two houses ablaze and issued threats to burn more properties and harm residents. In response to the escalating situation, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian T. Yohuno, ordered the deployment of reinforcement teams and armoured vehicles to Nalerigu and surrounding communities. According to a police statement, the deployment aims to restore calm, protect lives and property, and bolster security in the affected areas. The police will also enforce a government-imposed curfew designed to curb further violence and maintain order. Additionally, the reinforcement teams will support the North East Regional Police Command in intensifying highway patrols to safeguard commuters in the region. Police authorities have assured the public, especially the people of Nalerigu, that investigations into the recent attacks and house burnings are underway. They pledged that all those found responsible will be apprehended and brought to justice. Meanwhile, the government has imposed a curfew on Nalerigu and its environs to help restore peace and prevent further disturbances. Source: Apexnewsgh.com