Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer at the World Bank Group, has warned Ghana and other developing countries to urgently invest in youth skills development or face a looming employment crisis.
Speaking during a visit to the University of Ghana, Donohoe highlighted the growing pressure on labour markets as millions of young people prepare to enter the workforce in the coming years.
He cautioned that without deliberate investment in education, technical training, and practical skills, many young people risk being left without meaningful employment. He stressed the need for governments and policymakers to align education systems with the demands of the modern job market.
Donohoe revealed that globally, a significant number of children in low- and middle-income countries lack basic reading skills, while billions of adults have limited formal education. He added that an estimated 1.2 billion young people are expected to enter the labour market over the next decade, many without the necessary skills.
He emphasised that expanding access to technical and vocational training, alongside strengthening education systems, will be key to addressing youth unemployment.
The World Bank official noted that Ghana’s challenges are part of a broader global trend, urging coordinated efforts to turn the growing youth population into an economic asset rather than a crisis.