Fresh data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) show that more than 1.3 million young people in Ghana were not engaged in work, education or training in the third quarter of 2025, highlighting persistent labour market challenges and growing skills mismatches among the youth population.

According to the report, about 1.3 million persons aged 15 to 24—representing 21.5 per cent of that age group—were classified as not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The figures have renewed concerns about youth disengagement and the long-term implications for productivity and social stability.

The data reveal significant regional variations, with NEET rates among persons aged 15 to 35 peaking at 25.3 per cent in the Central Region and falling as low as 9.5 per cent in the Oti Region.

The disparities point to uneven access to employment, education and training opportunities across different parts of the country.

Beyond unemployment, labour underutilisation remains widespread. Nearly one in five employed persons was underutilised, pushing the composite labour underutilisation rate from 23.0 per cent in the second quarter to 23.4 per cent in the third quarter.

Underemployment was notably higher in rural areas than in urban centres, reflecting limited job quality and hours of work outside cities.

The GSS also highlighted persistent skills and education mismatches in the labour market. While close to two-thirds of employed persons said their skills aligned with job requirements, more than 10 per cent reported being over-skilled, particularly men and urban workers.

Youth unemployment continued to exceed the national average, with the highest rates recorded in Greater Accra, prompting renewed calls for targeted skills development, job creation and region-specific interventions to better integrate young people into productive employment.