Africa’s job creation challenge is no longer just an economic concern, it is a critical national security issue, says Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Pelpuo stressed that the continent’s inability to generate sufficient employment opportunities for its ballooning youth population poses significant risks to stability and development.
“The whole conception about job creation is very crucial for Africa. If you understand population dynamics, Africa now has the largest number of young people in the world. It is a youthful continent, and we are not developing commensurate with the population growth,” he said.
Dr Pelpuo warned that Africa is currently facing what he described as “excess labour”, a mismatch between the number of young people entering the labour market and the jobs available.
“We have excess labour because development is not in line with the number of people emerging into the labour market. And so, that is why we are letting some go out to work. It has become a terrible issue,” he explained.
The consequences, he cautioned, go beyond mere economic stagnation.
“It’s an issue that has to be tackled, because as we all know, existing labour without jobs to do creates a problem, and people call it a national security issue.”
Dr Pelpuo noted that the lack of viable job opportunities is pushing many young Africans to seek work abroad, often undertaking perilous journeys through deserts and across dangerous seas.
“We are in a difficult situation in Africa. We must ensure that our economies grow in line with the rapidly expanding population, or create opportunities for our youth to work—rather than watching them risk their lives through dangerous sea crossings and deserts, all in the name of searching for jobs.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on.
“So, it’s a critical issue that we are tackling,” he concluded.
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