Nearly two million young people aged between 15 and 35 in Ghana were neither employed, attending school nor participating in any form of vocational or skills training during the third quarter of 2025, according to a new report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The report also reveals a significant gender gap, with young women accounting for more than 60 per cent of the affected population, raising concerns about youth unemployment, female economic participation and access to educational opportunities in Ghana.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service publication, Ghana in Numbers 2025, the average proportion of young people classified as Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) stood at 17.9 per cent during the first three quarters of 2025.
Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, has expressed concern about the growing number of young people outside the labour market and educational system, particularly young women.
He noted that nearly two million Ghanaian youth fall within the NEET category, with females representing more than six out of every ten individuals affected.
Dr Iddrisu stressed the need for greater attention to the situation to ensure that Ghana’s growing youth population can access employment opportunities, quality education and vocational training programmes.
Central Region Records Highest NEET Rate
The GSS report further highlights regional and geographical differences in the number of young people who are not working or pursuing education and skills development.
The Central Region recorded the highest NEET rate among the figures highlighted in the publication, with 25.3 per cent of its young population falling into the category.
The statistics also show that the NEET rate was higher in urban communities than in rural areas. Urban areas recorded 20.6 per cent, compared with 18 per cent in rural communities.
These figures highlight the challenges associated with youth employment, access to education and economic opportunities across different parts of Ghana.
Ghana’s Youth Population Estimated at 12 Million
The findings come at a time when Ghana’s youth population is estimated at approximately 12 million in 2025, representing nearly one-third of the country’s total population.
The statistics underscore the importance of creating sustainable employment opportunities, expanding access to technical and vocational education, and developing effective policies to address youth unemployment.
The GSS also clarified that the NEET category is different from conventional unemployment statistics. It covers young people who are neither employed nor enrolled in formal education or any recognised training programme.
This means the group includes individuals who may not necessarily be actively searching for jobs but remain disconnected from both the employment market and educational opportunities.
GSS to Monitor Youth Employment Trends
The Ghana Statistical Service has indicated that future editions of its Ghana in Numbers publication will continue monitoring key labour market indicators affecting young people.
These indicators will include youth unemployment rates, NEET statistics, informal sector employment and the relationship between educational qualifications and available job opportunities.
The information is expected to support government planning, employment policy development and decisions aimed at improving Ghana’s labour market.
The latest findings highlight the need for stronger interventions to address youth unemployment, improve female participation in the economy and ensure that Ghana’s growing young population contributes meaningfully to national economic development.
Source: newsthemegh.com