For many Ghanaian graduates, earning a university degree is expected to lead to employment and financial independence.
However, for thousands of young people, graduation often marks the beginning of a difficult search for work
Twenty-six-year-old Peter Tetteh, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has been unemployed since graduating in November 2024.
Despite attending several interviews, he continues to face challenges, including employers demanding prior work experience, job location constraints and limited opportunities.
“I am currently unemployed and have been searching for a job since my graduation,” Peter said.
He believes his Economics education equipped him with analytical, research, communication and problem-solving skills that are relevant to many industries.
Despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful and continues to apply for jobs.
The National Youth Authority (NYA) describes graduate unemployment as a serious issue among young people in Ghana.
To address the challenge, the Authority has introduced programmes such as the National Apprenticeship Programme and skills-training initiatives, which have benefitted more than 1,000 young people.
The NYA encourages graduates to acquire employable skills that match labour market demands.
An HR practitioner interviewed for this story said employers look beyond academic qualifications when recruiting graduates.
According to him, communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, willingness to learn and problem-solving abilities are highly valued in the workplace.
He noted that many graduates struggle with interview preparation, confidence, and the effective communication of their strengths.
“I have seen candidates with lower academic classifications perform better in interviews because they communicated their abilities more confidently,” he said.
Peter believes stronger internship opportunities, university-industry partnerships, and entrepreneurship support would help graduates transition more smoothly into employment.
Experts say collaboration between government, educational institutions, and employers remains essential to tackling graduate unemployment in Ghana today.
The writer is a student journalist, UNIMAC-IJ
