The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Ghana’s improving economic outlook has not yet translated into enough jobs for young people, with youth unemployment remaining at around 30%.
In its latest country report on Ghana, the Fund said that although macroeconomic conditions have improved significantly, the country’s social challenges persist and require stronger policy interventions to ensure economic growth benefits all citizens.
According to the IMF, unemployment among Ghanaians aged 15 to 24 remains a major concern despite recent gains in the economy.
The report also cited World Bank estimates showing that poverty, measured using the international poverty line of $3 per day, declined from 38.9% in 2022 to 37.1% in 2025.
The World Bank attributed the modest improvement to lower inflation and stronger performance in the agriculture and services sectors.
Despite the progress, the IMF noted that many Ghanaians continue to face significant economic hardship.
To tackle the unemployment challenge, particularly among young people, the Fund said Ghana’s Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (2026-2029) prioritises growth in labour-intensive sectors capable of generating sustainable employment opportunities.
Beyond job creation, the IMF expressed concern about weaknesses in Ghana’s social protection system, calling for increased investment and reforms to improve the effectiveness of existing programmes.
The Fund observed that although social spending has risen under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, the coverage and benefits provided remain inadequate compared to the country’s needs and those of similar economies.
It also noted that the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, even after its planned expansion, will still reach only a small proportion of the estimated 40% of Ghanaians living below the international poverty line.
The report further highlighted challenges in the education sector, pointing out that while school enrolment has improved, secondary school participation remains below the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets and educational quality continues to trail that of comparable countries.
The IMF stressed that strengthening social safety nets and implementing targeted welfare policies will be critical as Ghana continues its fiscal reforms, navigates global economic uncertainties and adjusts utility tariffs.
According to the Fund, expanding social protection will help shield vulnerable households from economic shocks while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly across the population.
