Over 68% of youth in vulnerable jobs– Youth Development Minister

By Christabel Danso Abeam

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has raised alarm over the country’s employment landscape, revealing that more than 68 percent of Ghana’s employed working-age population are engaged in vulnerable jobs.

Citing findings from the 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the minister said that out of 19 million Ghanaians of working age, just over 11 million are employed – with only a little over 3 million in what qualifies as “decent work”.

“The report shows that a majority are in precarious jobs, often without social protection, job security, or fair pay,” he said.

Mr Opare Addo made these remarks during the launch of the Professionalisation of Artisans (ProfArts) mobile application in Accra. He noted that although the construction sector has undergone some transformation, growth is still constrained for skilled artisans due to a saturated local market and limited access to wider opportunities.

“The government recognises the potential in the construction sector and welcomes initiatives that ensure these opportunities are fully explored. We must protect the dignity of our young workers,” he stated.

He commended the developers of the ProfArts app, describing it as timely, particularly as government prepares to roll out the National Apprenticeship Programme to equip youth with practical skills across various sectors, including construction.

He encouraged artisans to adopt digital tools and urged consumers to use the app to access verified, professional services.

ProfArts mobile application

The ProfArts mobile application was developed through a partnership between the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Robert Bosch Ghana, and Consolidated Bank Ghana.

The app aims to boost employment prospects for local artisans in the construction industry by connecting them directly with customers through a secure, user-friendly platform.

Key features include secure user profiles, location and service-based search, real-time messaging, booking tools with calendar sync, integrated payment options, and a mutual rating system to build trust and ensure service quality.

Speaking on behalf of the German Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Chantel Kristin Lahmer emphasised the importance of combining skills development with digital innovation.

“The ProfArts app supports artisans in securing better working conditions, expanding their customer base, and delivering services that meet industry standards,” she noted.

Executive Director of GhIE, Ing. Samuel Magnus Asiedu, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving artisan skills and market access. He welcomed further collaboration with GIZ to expand capacity building, licensing, and onboarding of new artisans.

The ProfArts Project was initiated five years ago under the Special Initiative on Decent Work for a Just Transition, which operates under the Invest for Jobs brand by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

So far, more than 2,000 artisans have benefited from training in practical skills, business and financial literacy, and digital tools. Over 700 have gained national certification, and more than 1,300 have been licensed under the GhIE Craftsmen Register.

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