In 2024, the youth unemployment rate in Ghana was 5.41 percent. Between 1991 and 2024, the figure dropped by 0.07 percentage points, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

Graph and download economic data for Youth Unemployment Rate for Ghana (SLUEM1524ZSGHA) from 1991 to 2024 about Ghana, 15 to 24 years, unemployment, and rate.

Unemployment, youth male (% of male labor force ages 15-24) (modeled ILO estimate) in Ghana was reported at 5.505 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ghana - Unemployment, youth male (% of male labor force ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

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.

Ghana GH: Unemployment: National Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data was reported at 15.177 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.627 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Unemployment: National Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 11.160 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2015, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16.550 % in 2000 and a record low of 4.627 % in 2013. Ghana GH: Unemployment: National Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 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. Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 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 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.

Ghana GH: Unemployment: Modeled ILO Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data was reported at 4.901 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.718 % for 2016. Ghana GH: Unemployment: Modeled ILO Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 9.824 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2017, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.947 % in 1999 and a record low of 4.511 % in 2015. Ghana GH: Unemployment: Modeled ILO Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 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. Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections. National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Total: % of Youth Population data was reported at 25.506 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.083 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Total: % of Youth Population data is updated yearly, averaging 23.610 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2015, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.506 % in 2015 and a record low of 11.083 % in 2013. Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Total: % of Youth Population 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. Share of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) is the proportion of young people who are not in education, employment, or training to the population of the corresponding age group: youth (ages 15 to 24); persons ages 15 to 29; or both age groups.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average;

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 GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Male: % of Male Youth Population data was reported at 18.510 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.710 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Male: % of Male Youth Population data is updated yearly, averaging 18.510 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2015, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.270 % in 2006 and a record low of 8.710 % in 2013. Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Male: % of Male Youth Population 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. Share of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) is the proportion of young people who are not in education, employment, or training to the population of the corresponding age group: youth (ages 15 to 24); persons ages 15 to 29; or both age groups.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted Average;

Ghana GH: Unemployment: Modeled ILO Estimate: Youth Female: % of Female Labour Force Aged 15-24 data was reported at 5.328 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 5.123 % for 2016. Ghana GH: Unemployment: Modeled ILO Estimate: Youth Female: % of Female Labour Force Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 10.628 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2017, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21.637 % in 1999 and a record low of 4.900 % in 2015. Ghana GH: Unemployment: Modeled ILO Estimate: Youth Female: % of Female Labour Force Aged 15-24 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. Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections. National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Unemployment, youth female (% of female labor force ages 15-24) (modeled ILO estimate) in Ghana was reported at 5.318 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ghana - Unemployment, youth female (% of female labor force ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

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.

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.

Abstract

The Job Tracking Survey was conducted to provide credible data for effective monitoring and evaluation of job creation programmes being implemented by the Government. These data were to be used to monitor the progress of the Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Growth and Poverty Reduction Prgramme (GPRP) in Ghana provides a coordinated programme for achieving sectoral, national and international development outcomes including the MDGs. Unemployment reaims a critical challenge in efforts at reducing poverty. Policy orientation in 2006 was therefore towards providing various incentives for firms to invest productively, create jobs and expand. Thus the theme: Investing in People, Investing in Jobs.

The survey targeted firms which are the main source of information on the creation of jobs. The study collected information background of the firms, including the type of operation and ownership. It also collected information on the knowledge and access to various tax incentives granted to the different sectors of the economy and how these have helped the firms in their expansion prograames towards the creation of jobs.

Several indicators including jobs created, job losses, training (both on the job and formal) and level of skills were also collected. Finally, the survey evaluates the impact of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), labour market demand and job vacancies, job quality and related labour market issues.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Establishments

Universe

Firms within the private and public sector in Ghana.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sampling for the survey was purposive, and was designed to provide sufficient level of precision for survey estimates for each 3-digit ISIC (International Standard Industrial Classicfication of economic avtivities) domain.

A total of 2,015 establishments in both the private and public sector were covered in the survey. These were made up of 784 from the public sector, made up of 701 public sector institutions in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and other public insitutions in the 138 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. All establishments operating under the President's Special Initiatives (PSIs) were also covered. In addition, 83 public limited companies were covered.

For the private sector, all members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), members of the Ghana Club 100, and establishments listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange were covered in the survey.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

One questionnaire, the Job Tracking Survey Questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was organized in 11 parts (A - K) and the questions were in English.

Part A was used to collect information on the background of the establishments including Name, Address, Type of Ownership, Organization and Goods and Services produced.

Part B looked at the establishment's connection with any Policy Objectives and Outcomes within the various sectors.

Part C looked the creation of jobs and hiring of personnel.

Part D was devoted to awareness and access to Tax Incentives.

Part E dealt with On-The -Job-Training, Internship and Industrial attachment, while Part F sought for information on Micro-finance, Loans and Grants.

Part G was devoted to outcomes under the National Youth Employment Programme.

Part H collected information on the creation of jobs within the Construction sector.

Parts I and J were used to solicit information on Labour Market Demand and Job Vacancies, Job Quality and other labour market indicators.

PArt K sought for comments and suggestions for the preparation of the 2007 national budget.

Cleaning operations

The GSS data editing occurs at three levels:

1. Field editing by interviewers and supervisors
2. Office editing
3. Data cleaning and imputation

Response rate

All the 2,015 establishments selected in both the private and public sector were covered in the survey.

In 2024, the labor participation rate among the total population aged between 15 and 64 in Ghana was ***** percent. Between 1990 and 2024, the figure dropped by ***** percentage points, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

The employment level in services as a share of total employment in Ghana was ***** percent in 2023. Between 1991 and 2023, the share rose by ***** percentage points, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Female: % of Female Youth Population data was reported at 31.230 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 13.260 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Female: % of Female Youth Population data is updated yearly, averaging 28.530 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2015, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 31.230 % in 2015 and a record low of 13.260 % in 2013. Ghana GH: Share of Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training: Female: % of Female Youth Population 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. Share of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) is the proportion of young people who are not in education, employment, or training to the population of the corresponding age group: youth (ages 15 to 24); persons ages 15 to 29; or both age groups.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted Average;

Ghana GH: Employment To Population Ratio: National Estimate: Aged 15-24 data was reported at 36.840 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 51.410 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Employment To Population Ratio: National Estimate: Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 39.330 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2015, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 51.410 % in 2013 and a record low of 36.840 % in 2015. Ghana GH: Employment To Population Ratio: National Estimate: Aged 15-24 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. Employment to population ratio is the proportion of a country's population that is employed. Employment is defined as persons of working age who, during a short reference period, were engaged in any activity to produce goods or provide services for pay or profit, whether at work during the reference period (i.e. who worked in a job for at least one hour) or not at work due to temporary absence from a job, or to working-time arrangements. Ages 15-24 are generally considered the youth population.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; 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.

Ghana GH: Employment To Population Ratio: National Estimate: Aged 15-24: Male data was reported at 39.158 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 53.424 % for 2013. Ghana GH: Employment To Population Ratio: National Estimate: Aged 15-24: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 39.004 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2015, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 53.424 % in 2013 and a record low of 37.751 % in 2006. Ghana GH: Employment To Population Ratio: National Estimate: Aged 15-24: Male 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. Employment to population ratio is the proportion of a country's population that is employed. Employment is defined as persons of working age who, during a short reference period, were engaged in any activity to produce goods or provide services for pay or profit, whether at work during the reference period (i.e. who worked in a job for at least one hour) or not at work due to temporary absence from a job, or to working-time arrangements. Ages 15-24 are generally considered the youth population.; ; 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.