Align academic and skills development pursuits with market demands – Minister of Labour to students

Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has urged students and trainees to align academic and skills development initiatives with the evolving demands of the labour market.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that the growing mismatch between qualifications and job requirements is hampering productivity and affecting both formal and informal sectors of Ghana’s economy.

“In the past, our economy could absorb many low-skilled workers, particularly in the agricultural sector, but times have changed,” the Minister stated.

He noted that rapid technological advancements have displaced traditional jobs, creating an urgent need for a workforce equipped with critical and relevant skills.

“For every student and individual pursuing training, the ultimate aim is to secure employment that aligns with their qualifications and skills,” Dr. Pelpuo added, stressing the importance of relevant education and vocational training.

The Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing effort to address these disparities through the upcoming Qualifications and Skills Mismatches Survey (QSMS), Ghana’s first nationally representative study on employment gaps.

A pilot phase of the survey has already been conducted in Greater Accra, Northern, and Upper West Regions, aimed at refining survey instruments and building field capacity.

Dr. Pelpuo concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to using reliable data to craft policies that promote employment and boost national productivity.