Open letter to Ghana’s presidential candidates- Ghana’s workforce: A bold agenda for inclusive growth

By Isaac Frimpong (Ph.D)

Dear Presidential Candidate,

As Ghana finds itself at a turning point in its economic and social development, I write to emphasise a pressing issue that demands urgent attention: the transformation of our workforce. The choices we make now will determine whether Ghana’s growing population becomes an unparalleled asset or a liability.

With a population growth rate of 2.1 percent, which is far above the global average, time is not on our side. Bold and visionary leadership is needed to realign Ghana’s economic strategy to reflect the realities of its people.

For decades, we have framed our economy in terms of “formal” and “informal” sectors, a binary that no longer serves our unique context. This categorisation marginalises the majority of Ghanaian workers, leaving them vulnerable and overlooked in policy and practice.

Instead, we must adopt a framework that recognises “standard” and “non-standard” employment, focusing on the diverse work arrangements that sustain livelihoods, build communities, and fuel our economy.

The case for non-standard employment

Non-standard employment is not just a phenomenon of the “informal” economy; it is the backbone of Ghana’s labour force, encompassing approximately 70 percent of workers. Street vendors, artisans, food hawkers, farmers, and roadside mechanics contribute more than just to the gross domestic product; they provide essential services and uphold our social fabric.

However, this vibrant segment remains unsupported and lacks access to pensions, health insurance, and market infrastructure.

Every year, over 100,000 university graduates enter the workforce which is unprepared to absorb their skills. Meanwhile, the informal economy, though vibrant and offering an alternative, remains underutilised due to a lack of structural support. Without deliberate and targeted interventions, this disconnect grows, increasing unemployment, social inequalities, and the risk of unrest.

Policy priorities for immediate action

The time for incremental changes is long past. Ghana requires a transformative agenda to create an inclusive and resilient economy. As you prepare to lead, I urge you to consider the following priorities.

Skills development and innovation: Launch training programmes tailored to standard and non-standard workers, equipping them to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Comprehensive social protection: Extend pensions, health insurance, and other safety nets to all workers, irrespective of employment type. This is not just a policy choice, but also a moral obligation.

Infrastructure and market access: Invest in physical and digital infrastructure to support small businesses, artisans, and farmers and enable them to compete effectively in local and global markets.

These steps are not just policy recommendations but lifelines for millions of Ghanaian families.

A call to bold leadership

The stakes have never been higher. As a leader with a mandate to shape Ghana’s future, you have an opportunity to redefine our economic narrative. Delays will only deepen inequalities, erode trust in governance, and throw away the immense potential of our people.

By embracing the contributions of both standard and non-standard employment, you can spearhead a vision that transforms Ghana into a beacon of inclusive development. This is not merely a campaign promise; it is a legacy worth fighting for.

The time to act is now. Ghana’s progress demands courageous, innovative leadership that prioritises the realities and aspirations of its people. I urge you to make this vision the cornerstone of your campaign.

Long live Ghana

Sincerely yours,

Isaac Frimpong (Ph.D)

Researcher and Consultant

[email protected]

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