The World Bank has raised fresh concerns over Ghana’s economy, warning that without urgent reforms and more job opportunities, the country could face serious economic and social instability. The warning comes as Ghana’s youth population continues to expand rapidly, creating both hope and uncertainty.
In its 9th Ghana Economic Update released on August 14, the Bank highlighted the urgent need for policies that encourage private sector growth, improve infrastructure, and strengthen digital and climate resilience. It also stressed that fixing long-standing fiscal risks in the cocoa and energy sectors is key to securing Ghana’s future stability.
The report projected that Ghana’s working-age population will surge in the coming decade. According to the Bank, this could be a powerful driver of growth—but only if young people are given access to productive jobs. Otherwise, rising unemployment could quickly turn into a destabilizing force.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem described job creation as “mission critical,” warning that unemployment is a potential powder keg. He revealed that the government plans to commit over 564 million cedis to youth skills programmes in 2025, alongside 410 million cedis for a national entrepreneurship and innovation drive to unlock the creativity of Ghana’s young people.
Economists caution that while reforms tied to Ghana’s IMF programme are ongoing, the real test lies in sustained political will and strong private sector involvement. The message from the World Bank was blunt: Ghana must act now, or risk its growing youth population becoming more of a burden than an opportunity.
