Africa’s struggle to create enough employment opportunities has evolved from an economic challenge into a pressing national security concern, according to Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo.
Appearing on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that the continent’s rapidly growing youth population, coupled with sluggish job growth, presents a significant threat to peace, stability, and sustainable development.
“Job creation is a critical issue for Africa,” he said. “We are the youngest continent demographically, yet our development is not keeping pace with population growth. This disconnect is creating serious vulnerabilities.”
Dr. Pelpuo highlighted the growing mismatch between the number of young people entering the workforce and the limited availability of jobs—a situation he described as "excess labour."
“We are producing more labour than our economies can absorb. That imbalance is not just economic—it’s becoming a national emergency,” he explained. “This is why we’re seeing increasing numbers of young Africans leaving the continent in search of work, often undertaking dangerous journeys through deserts and across seas.”
The Minister warned that the implications of chronic youth unemployment extend far beyond economic stagnation.
“Idle labour, especially among the youth—can fuel instability. It’s a national security issue that must be addressed urgently,” he stated.
Dr. Pelpuo stressed the importance of aligning economic growth with demographic trends, urging African governments to prioritize employment as a central pillar of policy.
“We must ensure that our economic strategies create real opportunities for our youth. Otherwise, we risk losing them to migration, despair, or worse,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the Ghanaian government's commitment to tackling the issue head-on, recognizing job creation as fundamental to the continent’s future.
“This is not just a matter of economics. It’s about security, dignity, and the long-term prosperity of Africa,” Dr. Pelpuo affirmed.
