By Leo Nelson
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has stressed that Ghana’s youth require concrete employment opportunities and not merely words of encouragement, as the nation grapples with rising unemployment among young people.
Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum, Debrah said the country must shift from rhetoric to practical economic interventions that create sustainable jobs and empower the youth to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Our young people need employment opportunities, not just motivational speeches,” he stated, explaining that while inspirational talks had their place in shaping mindsets and aspirations, they could not replace the urgent need for jobs, entrepreneurship support and access to capital.
Debrah called on the private sector, development partners and financial institutions to work closely with government to create an enabling environment for businesses to expand and absorb the growing youthful workforce.
He noted that Ghana’s youth remained the backbone of the country’s future and should be provided with the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed.
According to him, sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, technology and small-scale enterprises hold enormous potential for job creation if properly supported.
“The youth are ready to work. What they need are the opportunities, skills and resources to transform their potential into productivity,” he said.
The Chief of Staff said forums such as the Kwahu Business Forum were essential for fostering dialogue between policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs on strategies to grow the economy and generate employment.
He urged investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the country and support youth-led businesses with funding and mentorship.
Debrah also underscored the importance of skills development and innovation, saying the education system must align more closely with the needs of industry.
He said there was the need for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and the business community to ensure that graduates acquired practical, market-relevant skills.
Youth unemployment continues to remain a major socio-economic challenge in Ghana, with many graduates and skilled young people struggling to secure meaningful employment.
Some participants The New Republic interviewed at the forum welcomed the Chief of Staff’s remarks, describing them as timely and reflective of the concerns of many young Ghanaians.
Julius Debra’s comments reinforce the growing national call for actionable policies that move beyond promises to real job creation.