Former President John Dramani Mahama highlighted that Ghana is currently facing the highest unemployment rate in its history. In his speech at the graduation ceremony of the Academic City University College, he pointed out that the current estimated unemployment rate stands at 13%.
Mahama recalled a time when graduates like himself had numerous job opportunities waiting for them upon leaving the university. However, the present job landscape is vastly different, with limited opportunities due to various global challenges. He mentioned climate change, conflicts in different regions, and economic crises as some of the factors contributing to the scarcity of jobs.
According to Mahama, the closure of indigenous banks and the cleanout of the banking sector has resulted in a significant loss of jobs in Ghana. He also mentioned the impact of a Debt Exchange Programme, which has negatively affected entrepreneurs, middle-class families, and pensioners.
Despite the challenging economic and social conditions, Mahama acknowledged the technological advancements available to the current generation of graduates. With laptops, tablets, and a wealth of information accessible through search engines, students today have valuable resources at their fingertips.
Mahama emphasized the importance of universities adapting their curricula to be relevant to society. He praised Academic City University College for being an innovative institution that equips its students with practical knowledge, empowering them to be agents of positive change in society wherever they find employment.
Overall, Mahama’s speech conveyed the reality of the current employment landscape in Ghana while encouraging graduates to embrace the opportunities presented by technology and innovative educational institutions to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation.