Youth Unemployment a National Security Threat – Minister Warns

Accra – The Minister for Youth Development and Employment, George Opare Addo, has issued a stark warning, stating that the escalating rate of youth unemployment in Ghana poses a significant risk to the nation’s security. He called for immediate and collaborative efforts to tackle the issue.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, December 18, Minister Opare Addo described the situation as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing that its consequences extend far beyond the economic realm. He cautioned that if left unchecked, the high number of unemployed youth could destabilize the country.

“When you look at the number of unemployed young people, it is frightening. It is not just an economic issue; it is a major national security concern that should worry all of us,” Opare Addo said. He further assured the public that the government is actively implementing interventions to reduce the figures.

The Minister’s comments come on the heels of recently released data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The GSS report reveals that over 13 million young Ghanaians – representing 21.5 per cent of the 15-24 age group – were not engaged in any form of work, education, or training (NEET) during the third quarter of 2025.

The report highlights increasing pressures on the labour market and a persistent mismatch between the skills possessed by young people and the demands of available jobs.

“Addressing youth unemployment remains a top priority for government,” Opare Addo stated. “We are pursuing intensified programmes to equip young people with skills, expand job opportunities, and reintegrate them into productive economic activities in the interest of national development and security.”

The Minister did not detail specific new programmes but indicated existing initiatives were being scaled up to meet the growing challenge. Further updates on these interventions are expected in the coming weeks.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE