Growing Joblessness Threatens Ghana’s Future – MTN Foundation Board Chairman

The Board Chairman of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Professor Franklyn Manu, has warned that the rising wave of youth unemployment poses a serious danger to Ghana’s future stability and development if urgent measures are not taken.

He sounded the caution during the Foundation’s “Bright Conversations” forum, an event held to reflect on MTN’s corporate social responsibility journey, its impact over the years, and its vision for the future.

According to Professor Manu, although Ghana’s economy continues to record growth, it has not been inclusive enough to create meaningful opportunities for the youth. He cautioned that ignoring the unemployment crisis could have dire consequences for national peace and security.

“Unemployment among the youth is a national concern. If not resolved, it could burn the country one day,” he said bluntly.

The MTN Foundation Chairman also expressed concern about the increasing mindset among young people of seeking only salaried jobs instead of embracing entrepreneurship and innovation. He noted that the over-reliance on formal employment opportunities is unsustainable in today’s economic environment.

“Leadership must rethink how the economy functions. The youth, in turn, must understand that there are no shortcuts to success,” he advised.

Professor Manu urged government and policymakers to create enabling systems that support skills development, entrepreneurship, and job creation. At the same time, he called on the youth to cultivate resilience, sharpen their skills, and adopt a proactive mindset to remain relevant in a competitive job market.

He acknowledged the frustration many graduates face after completing their education with limited prospects, but stressed that perseverance, continuous learning, and self-initiative are critical to overcoming the employment gap.

The “Bright Conversations” forum also highlighted MTN Ghana Foundation’s continued commitment to empowering young people through education, entrepreneurship, and skills training initiatives as part of its long-term strategy to contribute to national development.