Kufuor Urges Stronger Private Sector Role to Address Ghana’s Unemployment Crisis

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for intensified support for the private sector as a key strategy to tackle Ghana’s rising unemployment challenges.

Speaking at the Design and Technology Inaugural Legacy Dialogue Series on Entrepreneurship and the Future of Work, he emphasised that sustainable job creation depends heavily on a thriving business environment backed by deliberate policy and investment.

Private Sector as Job Engine

Kufuor stressed that the private sector remains the primary driver of economic growth and job creation, urging government to create enabling conditions for businesses to expand.

“If we are serious about tackling unemployment, then we must support the private sector. That is where the jobs will come from,” he said.

He noted that government alone cannot absorb the growing number of young people entering the labour market each year.

Focus on Skills and Entrepreneurship

The former president also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with practical skills, especially in entrepreneurship, technical training, and innovation.

“We must equip our youth not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he added.

He called for a shift in mindset toward skills development as a foundation for future employment opportunities.

Stronger Industry–Academia Collaboration

Kufuor further urged closer collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions to ensure training aligns with labour market needs.

He said such partnerships would help bridge the gap between education and employment while improving workforce readiness.

The event, organised by the Design and Technology Institute, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore solutions for job creation and economic transformation.