Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says Ghana’s New Economy will address the human impact of unemployment by removing barriers that prevent young people, farmers and small businesses from building sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking to students and faculty at the University for Development Studies’ Nyankpala Campus, Dr Forson said Ghana could not continue with an economy where education did not lead to employment, talent lacked support and hard work produced limited opportunities.
“Unemployment is personal. It is the graduate who has finished school but cannot find work. It is the young person with talent but no capital,” he said.
He said the New Economy would place jobs and economic opportunity at the heart of national development, while recognising the daily struggles behind the country’s unemployment figures.
Dr Forson also pointed to the difficulties facing farmers who produce without dependable markets and small business owners unable to grow because of the high cost of credit. He said the response must cover both the need for more jobs and the challenges confronting people who could create employment.
The Finance Minister said unemployment was especially painful for families that had made significant sacrifices to fund their children’s education.
“It is the family that sacrifices to educate a child, only to watch that child sit at home.”
He rejected the suggestion that such experiences should be regarded as a normal part of life in Ghana.
“No serious nation can accept this as normal. The New Economy says Ghana must no longer accept it.”
