Ghana Risks Instability if Youth Job Crisis Persists – Prof. Franklyn Manu
The Board Chairman of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Professor Franklyn Manu, has warned that Ghana risks future instability if the growing challenge of youth unemployment is not urgently addressed with bold and practical interventions.
Speaking at the Foundation’s “Bright Conversations” forum, an engagement platform to reflect on its achievements and future outlook, Professor Manu described youth unemployment as a looming national crisis that could derail Ghana’s progress if left unattended.
He stressed that while Ghana’s economy continues to record growth, the benefits are not translating into enough opportunities for young people. “Unemployment among the youth is a national concern. If not resolved, it could burn the country one day,” he cautioned.
Professor Manu highlighted the increasing dependency mindset among many young people who aspire only to white-collar jobs, noting that this approach is unrealistic given the structure of Ghana’s economy. He urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, skills development, and innovation as sustainable pathways to employment and self-reliance.
“Leadership must rethink how the economy functions. The youth, in turn, must understand that there are no shortcuts to success,” he emphasized.
He further acknowledged the frustrations many graduates experience when they leave school only to encounter limited job openings. However, he maintained that resilience, continuous learning, and a proactive attitude remain essential in navigating today’s competitive job market.
Professor Manu also called on policymakers to design and implement inclusive economic policies that create more opportunities for young people, stressing that leadership must move beyond rhetoric and focus on building structures that support job creation and entrepreneurship.
The forum also reaffirmed MTN Ghana Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, with renewed investments in education, entrepreneurship, and skills training initiatives. According to the Foundation, addressing the unemployment crisis is not only a national responsibility but also a corporate priority in driving sustainable development.
