Unemployment Rate in Ghana decreased to 3 percent in 2024 from 3.10 percent in 2023. This dataset provides - Ghana Unemployment Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In 2020, the unemployment rate in Ghana was at approximately 3.01 percent of the total labor force. The unemployment rate is the percentage of a country's labor force that are without jobs but are available to work and actively seeking employment. Ghana’s unemployment rate is above the worldwide unemployment rate, and compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries and other regions, Ghana has a relatively average rate of unemployment. Ghana’s population Due to the nature of its economy and its population size of over 30 million people, Ghana’s estimated GDP per capita amounts to just over 2,200 U.S. dollars in 2018 and forecast to rise continually over the next few years. Almost half of the country’s population works in the services sector, and around 33 percent work in agriculture. The population is relatively young, with only around 3 percent of the total population aged 65 years or older. Ghana’s hopeful future One of the most important economic centers of its region, Ghana’s GDP is at over 65 billion U.S. dollars, and it is projected to grow to over 97 billion U.S. dollars by 2024. Ghana is a country with several valuable natural resources, including gold, petroleum, cocoa, and natural gas. The country’s economy is particularly focused on manufacturing and exporting digital technology goods, and industrial materials. Ghana utilizes these exports domestically as well; its mixed economy is increasingly digital based. A regional leader, it has the goal of being the first African nation to become a developed country in the next decade. There are several positive indications encouraging this possibility, such as that GDP has grown each year, albeit at inconsistent rates.

Key information about Ghana Unemployment Rate

• Ghana Unemployment Rate increased to 3.56% in Dec 2023, from the previously reported figure of 3.52% in Dec 2022.
• Ghana Unemployment Rate is updated yearly, available from Dec 1991 to Dec 2023, with an average rate of 5.22%.
• The data reached an all-time high of 10.46% in Dec 2000 and a record low of 2.17% in Dec 2013.
• The data is reported by reported by CEIC Data.
• In the latest reports, Ghana Population reached 31.07 million people in Dec 2020.

In 2024, the youth unemployment rate in Ghana remained nearly unchanged at around 5.41 percent. Still, 2024 marked the fourth consecutive decline of the youth unemployment rate. The youth unemployment rate refers to the share of the economically active population aged 15 to 24 currently without work but in search of employment. The youth unemployment rate does not include economically inactive persons such as the long-term unemployed or full-time students.Find more statistics on other topics about Ghana with key insights such as labor participation rate among the total population aged between 15 and 64, labor force participation rate for males, and employment level in services as a share of total employment.

The total unemployed population in Ghana was estimated to reach some 592,000 in 2024, slightly increasing from the preceding year, when around 582,000 people were not in any form of employment. In 2015, the peak of unemployment was observed in the country. Overall, the rate of unemployment has been following a downward trend.

Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) in Ghana was reported at 3.007 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ghana - Unemployment, total - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Unemployment, youth total (% of total labor force ages 15-24) (modeled ILO estimate) in Ghana was reported at 5.413 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ghana - Unemployment, youth total (% of total labor force ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Ghana: Unemployment rate for males: The latest value from 2023 is 2.76 percent, unchanged from 2.76 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 6.42 percent, based on data from 178 countries. Historically, the average for Ghana from 1991 to 2023 is 5.18 percent. The minimum value, 1.99 percent, was reached in 2013 while the maximum of 10.18 percent was recorded in 2000.

Ghana: Unemployment rate, percent: The latest value from is percent, unavailable from percent in . In comparison, the world average is 0.00 percent, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Ghana from to is percent. The minimum value, percent, was reached in while the maximum of percent was recorded in .

Ghana GH: Unemployment: National Estimate: % of Total Labour Force data was reported at 6.806 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.173 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Unemployment: National Estimate: % of Total Labour Force data is updated yearly, averaging 1.000 % from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2015, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.360 % in 2000 and a record low of 0.400 % in 1985. Ghana GH: Unemployment: National Estimate: % of Total Labour Force data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.World Bank: Employment and Unemployment. Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. Definitions of labor force and unemployment differ by country.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

In 2024, the unemployed male population in Ghana was estimated at around 295,500. On the other hand, the female population without any form of employment was projected to be slightly higher, at approximately 297,000. The number of people of working age who are not in employment has fluctuated since 2010. In 2015, the rate of unemployment in Ghana reached a peak of nearly seven percent.

ghana - Youth Unemployment Rate for Ghana was 5.41% in January of 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, ghana - Youth Unemployment Rate for Ghana reached a record high of 6.12 in January of 2021 and a record low of 5.41 in January of 2024. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for ghana - Youth Unemployment Rate for Ghana - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Ghana Unemployment Rate: 15 Years and Above data was reported at 11.900 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 5.200 % for 2013. Ghana Unemployment Rate: 15 Years and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 5.200 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2015, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.900 % in 2015 and a record low of 3.600 % in 2006. Ghana Unemployment Rate: 15 Years and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ghana Statistical Service. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.G006: Unemployment Rate: Labour Force Survey. Unemployment rate is computed based on persons who within the reference period, were without jobs and were “potentially” available for jobs.

South Africa is expected to register the highest unemployment rate in Africa in 2024, with around ** percent of the country's labor force being unemployed. Djibouti and Eswatini followed, with unemployment reaching roughly ** percent and ** percent, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest unemployment rates in Africa were in Niger and Burundi. The continent’s average stood at roughly ***** percent in the same year. Large shares of youth among the unemployed Due to several educational, socio-demographic, and economic factors, the young population is more likely to face unemployment in most regions of the world. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate in Africa was projected at around ** percent. The situation was particularly critical in certain countries. In 2022, Djibouti recorded a youth unemployment rate of almost ** percent, the highest rate on the continent. South Africa followed, with around ** percent of the young labor force being unemployed. Wide disparities in female unemployment Women are another demographic group often facing high unemployment. In Africa, the female unemployment rate stood at roughly ***** percent in 2023, compared to *** percent among men. The average female unemployment on the continent was not particularly high. However, there were significant disparities among African countries. Djibouti and South Africa topped the ranking once again in 2022, with female unemployment rates of around ** percent and ** percent, respectively. In contrast, Niger, Burundi, and Chad were far below Africa’s average, as only roughly *** percent or lower of the women in the labor force were unemployed.

Key information about Ghana Labour Force Participation Rate

• Ghana Labour Force Participation Rate dropped to 63.4 % in Dec 2023, compared with 63.4 % in the previous year.
• Ghana Labour Force Participation Rate is updated yearly, available from Dec 1990 to Dec 2023, with an average rate of 72.4 % .
• The data reached the an all-time high of 77.6 % in Dec 1990 and a record low of 63.4 % in Dec 2023.
• Ghana Labour Force Participation Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.
• In the latest reports, Ghana Population reached 31.1 million people in Dec 2020.
• Unemployment Rate of Ghana increased to 3.6 % in Dec 2023.
• The country's Monthly Earnings stood at 242.0 USD in Dec 2015.

Inflation Rate in Ghana decreased to 13.70 percent in June from 18.40 percent in May of 2025. This dataset provides - Ghana Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The labor force participation rate for males in Ghana saw no significant changes in 2024 in comparison to the previous year 2023 and remained at around 64.57 percent. But still, the rate reached its lowest value of the observation period in 2024. Male labor force participation is the share of men over 15 years who are economically active. For example, all men providing labor in a specific period for the production of goods and services.Find more statistics on other topics about Ghana with key insights such as employment level in services as a share of total employment, youth unemployment rate, and labor participation rate among the total population aged between 15 and 64.

As of 2023, approximately **** million people in Ghana were employed, according to the source estimates. This represented an increase from around ** million in the preceding year, continuing the upward trend observed since 2010. The services sector in the country stands as a major source of employment.

In 2021, the inflation rate in Ghana amounted to about 9.98 percent compared to the previous year. Ghana’s inflation peaked at almost 17.5 percent in 2016 and is predicted to decrease to 8 percent by 2030. Steady is best for inflationAccording to economists, a steady inflation rate between two and three percent is desirable to achieve a stable economy in a country. Inflation is the increase in the price level of consumer goods and services over a certain time period. A high inflation rate is often caused by excessive money supply and can turn into hyperinflation, i.e. if inflation occurs too quickly and rapidly, it can devalue currency and cause a recession and even economic collapse. This scenario is currently taking place in Venezuela , for example. The opposite of inflation, the decrease in the price level of goods and services below zero percent, is called deflation. While hyperinflation devalues money, deflation usually increases its value. Both events can damage an economy severely. Is Ghana’s economy at risk?Ghana’s economy is considered quite stable and fast-growing, and is rich in oil, diamonds, and gold. After struggling in the years around 2015 due to increased government spending and plummeting oil prices, it is now on an upswing again. This is also reflected in the decreasing inflation rate, and other key indicators like unemployment and rapid GDP growth support this theory. However, Ghana’s government debt is still struggling with the consequences of the 2015 crisis and forecast to keep skyrocketing during the next few years.

Abstract

The 1997 Core Welfare Indicators Questionnaire (CWIQ) Survey is a nationwide probability sample survey designed to provide simple indicators on timely basis for monitoring poverty and the effects of development policies, programmes and projects on living standards in the country. The survey was conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service with technical assistance from the World Bank. The fieldwork for the survey was carried out between September 1997 and November 1997.

The main objectives of the 1997 CWIQ Monitoring Survey are: 1· To furnish policy makers, planners and programme managers with a set of simple indicators for monitoring poverty and the effects of development policies, programmes and projects on living standards in the country. 2· To provide reliable data on timely basis for monitoring changes in the welfare status in various sub-groups of the population. 3· To ensure rapid data capture, processing, tabulation and analysis. 4· To ensure optimal precision by the use of as large a sample as is feasible, given national statistical resource constraints and the need for rapid results. 5· To eliminate data entry bottlenecks through the use of “scanning” technique with Optical Mark Reader (OMR).

Household and demographic characteristics: A total of 14,514 households were successfully interviewed. An average household size of 4.1 was obtained for the country with rural households having an average household size of 4.3 compared with 3.8 for urban areas. Generally, households in the poorer quintiles and those in the rural parts of Northern Ghana recorded the highest average household size.

Education: The literacy rate for the nation is 47.9 percent. The rate for males (62.3%) is considerably higher than that of females (36.4%). The urban rate of 63.0 percent is significantly higher than the rural rate of 39.9 percent. In the rural areas, the Volta Region has the highest literacy rate of 55.7 percent while in the urban areas, Greater Accra Region has the highest rate of 75.7 percent. The Northern Region has the lowest rate in both rural (6.9%) and urban (37.9%) areas.

Health status: Pregnant women in the country are more likely to receive pre/post natal care than delivery care. Whereas 87.2 percent of pregnant women received pre/post natal care, only 28.3 percent received delivery care. Generally, women in rural areas are less likely to receive maternity care than their counterparts in the urban areas. Majority of households that reported sick in the four weeks preceding the survey are from the poorest quintiles where the household head was unemployed (27.8%). A breakdown of the type of sickness suffered by respondents, indicate that while the incidence of fever/malaria was higher in the urban areas, the incidence of diarrhoea/gastro intestinal disease was more evident in rural Ghana (3.4%).

Employment: The unemployment rate for the country is 3.9 percent, comprising 4.7 percent males and 3.2 percent females. The urban rate (9.2%) is relatively higher than the rural rate of 2.3 percent. Eastern Region has the highest rural unemployment rate of 4.2 percent while Upper West Region has the lowest of 0.2 percent. In the urban areas, Ashanti Region has the highest unemployment rate (9.9%) while Upper West Region has the lowest of 2.4 percent.

Household ammenities, assets and access to services: Over a third (37.3%) of all households own their dwellings, 18.4 percent pay rent while the remaining do not pay any rent. Ownership of home is most common among households headed by own-account workers in the agriculture sector, and is also predominant in rural (46.9%) than urban (18.9%) areas.

The national average number of rooms per household is 2.0, that for rural households is 2.1 and that for urban is 1.8. Over half (57.7%) of all households live in mud or mud-brick homes while 40.9 percent occupy stone or burnt-brick or cement houses.Most households in the country use fuel wood for cooking: 69.1 percent use firewood and 26 percent use charcoal. With regard to lighting fuel, kerosene (83.2%) is most common in rural areas and among the poorest households, whereas electricity (78.4%) predominates in the urban areas and among the non-poor households.

About a quarter (25.4%) of all households have access to flush toilets, 20.4 percent use “KVIP” toilet, 25.2 percent use pit latrine, while 22.8 percent have no toilet facilities. The use of modern toilet facilities is generally an urban phenomenon.

Nearly forty percent (39.9%) of all households have access to pipe-borne or protected well water, while over a third (34.2%) depend on unprotected well/river/lake for their drinking water. Households headed by own-account workers in the agricultural sector are the worst off.

Ownership of land and livestock is most noticeable in rural than urban areas, and is predominated by households headed by own-account workers in the agricultural sector, particularly in the northern regions. Ownership of electrical appliances is common among less poor households especially those headed by workers in the formal sector. In all 17.4 percent of households own a bicycle, 1.2 percent own a motorcycle and 2.3 percent own a car. Rural households tend to own a bicycle and/or a motorcycle while their urban counterparts are more likely to own a car.

Geographic coverage

National Regional

Analysis unit

Households, Individuals

Universe

The survey covered all de jure household members (usual residents) in sample.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The 1997 CWIQ Monitoring Survey is based on a two-stage, stratified, nationally representative sample of households. The National Sampling Frame of Enumeration Areas (EA’s) derived from the 1984 census with population and household information formed the basis of the sample design for the survey. The frame was first stratified into three ecological zones, namely coastal, forest and savannah, and then into rural and urban EAs. Additionally, the EAs were stratified into the 10 administrative regions in the country.

At the first stage of sampling, 588 EAs were selected with probabilities proportional to the number of households (PPS-Method). Households within the selected EAs were subsequently listed and a systematic sample of 25 households per EA was selected at the second stage. The survey was designed to yield a total sample of 14,700 households nationwide.

Sampling deviation

There was no deviation from the sampling design.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The CWIQ I Survey adopted a household -based questionnaire consisting of five double sided sheets with pre-coded multiple choice reponse questions. The Questionnaire covered the Demographic Characteristics, Educational Status, Health status, Household assets and ammenities as well as child anthropometry.

Cleaning operations

Data capture assistants logged in questionnaires received from the field.The questionnaires were checked and edited manually before being scanned. There was on-line editing while using the Scantools application. Mandatory fields that the scanner could not read were shown on the screen. The scanner assigned a serial number to each questionnaire and this was used to locate the household questionnaire for editing. Automatic correction was done for some selected fields by the CWIQ I application based on some validation rules within the system. Manual editing was done after generating reports for households that failed the validation checks. The EA and the household numbers were then used to locate the household questionnaire for editing.

One major problem encountered with the CWIQ I application was with supplementary questionnaire for larger households (households with 13 or more members). Responses from supplementary questionnaire were mixed up and thus generated a lot of error lines in validation runs. This led to manual data entry of the supplementary questionnaire.

Response rate

The survey was designed to yield a total sample of 14,700 households nationwide but a total of 14,511 households were successfully interviewed. This number from the dataset is short of 3 as stated in both the main report and bulletin.