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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Dimensions of youth unemployment in Ghana: a public policy perspective |
Author: | Abukari, Ziblim |
Year: | 2007 |
Periodical: | Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080) |
Volume: | 22 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 83-106 |
Language: | English |
Notes: | biblio. refs. |
Geographic terms: | Ghana West Africa |
Subjects: | youth unemployment labour policy social problems sociology Unemployed youth unemployment Manpower policy |
Abstract: | The unprecedented levels of youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa in general, and Ghana in particular, have been attributed to such factors as underdevelopment of the economies, low literacy rates, a small and underresourced private sector, rural-urban migration and low-quality education that equips young people with poor skills. There is also a mismatch between the educational products and the skills demanded by the labour market. The need to address youth unemployment in Ghana cannot be overemphasized essentially due to its devastating consequences: crime, violence, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and civil strife. In the case of Ghana in particular, the lack of a consistent and comprehensive national youth policy has culminated in the growing incidences of youth unemployment. The challenges identified above can be eliminated or at least minimized by enacting comprehensive national youth policies. Such policies would encompass educational reform and training, the acquisition of vocational and technical skills, enterprise development, rural development, the promotion of female education and employment, internship programmes, and the combating of HIV/AIDS. This paper considers the dimensions of youth unemployment in Ghana and suggests possible policy interventions. It calls for strong political will and commitment on the part of the Ghanaian government, to address the challenges associated with youth unemployment in the country. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |