Young researchers from CAMFED Ghana and the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana have called on government to adopt a strong Green Jobs Policy to support young people in accessing decent and sustainable employment while protecting the environment.
Speaking in Accra yesterday, the researchers said green jobs could address the dual challenges of youth unemployment and climate change if given proper national attention. Their call followed the release of a new study titled “Green Jobs and Youth Engagement,” which explored the employment aspirations of young Ghanaians, the opportunities available, and how these relate to environmental sustainability.
An Associate Professor at ISSER, Prof. Nana Akua Anyidoho, said the findings in Ghana reflected trends across other African countries. “Young people want to work, and they are attracted to jobs that are good for the environment. But they don’t have enough information about the range of green jobs available, and they often feel they lack the skills or resources to qualify,” she explained.
She stressed that government and policymakers must provide better access to information, training, and financial support. This, she noted, would help young people take advantage of opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and waste management.
“We need to make young people aware of the range of green opportunities, not just in farming but across many sectors. Training and capital are key to helping them succeed,” she said.
Prof. Anyidoho further emphasised that green jobs were essential not only for individuals but for the planet. “Green jobs are for survival — for people to make a living and for humanity to protect the environment we depend on,” she stated.
She cautioned that Ghana should not treat green jobs as a temporary response to unemployment but as a core component of long-term national development.
“The study found that young people in Ghana have big dreams for well-paid, decent, and socially respected jobs that allow them to contribute to their communities. However, many face major challenges including lack of finance, limited access to education and training, and barriers to self-employment,” she noted.
She said green jobs should be embedded in industrial and economic policies that combine environmental protection with economic growth. She also advised government to provide tailored support for marginalised groups such as young women and persons with disabilities, who often face the greatest barriers to employment.
One of the young researchers, Ms Hannah Afra Darkwah, said the study revealed that although many young people have heard about green jobs, few consider them part of their career aspirations.
“Even those who want to work in green jobs face challenges such as limited finance and lack of skills,” she said. “Green jobs are simply jobs that help preserve the environment while earning income — they are sustainable and ensure future generations can still benefit from natural resources.”
She recommended that government improve access to quality education and training at all levels, especially for disadvantaged youth.
The researchers further urged the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to enhance the dignity and working conditions of manual workers in waste management through fair pay, protective clothing, and social protection.
—By Agnes Opoku Sarpong
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The post Adopt ‘Green Jobs Policy’ to Help Youth Access Sustainable Employment – CAMFED Ghana appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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