“Public Sector Alone Won’t Solve Youth Unemployment” – YEA CEO Malik Basintale

Malik Basintale, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has called for a shift in focus towards boosting the private sector to tackle Ghana’s growing youth unemployment.

During an interview on GHOne TV with Lily Mohammed on March 13, 2025, Basintale emphasized that relying on public sector jobs to accommodate the country’s youth is an unsustainable approach.

“We have realized the fact that we cannot fully depend on public sector jobs because, obviously, the public sector may not be sufficient to accommodate all the younger generation coming up. So, we must delve into the private sector,” he stated.

His remarks come as Ghana faces mounting challenges with youth unemployment, which has been a persistent issue for years.

Basintale’s comments also highlighted the need to address the country’s work culture, which he believes is a major barrier to productivity.

He pointed out that Ghana has operated within an eight-hour workday since 1957 but has still failed to produce enough to meet domestic demands.

“What happens to the remaining 12 hours? We go back home and sleep. Yet, we still underproduce and continue to import in huge quantities,” he said, suggesting that Ghana’s work culture needs to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

The YEA boss’s comments have sparked discussions about the need for job creation strategies that extend beyond the government sector.

While public sector jobs have been a primary source of employment for many young Ghanaians, Basintale’s statement underscores the importance of private sector growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in providing long-term solutions to youth unemployment.

As the country continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, especially among the youth, experts agree that creating a dynamic and competitive private sector will be key to unlocking new opportunities and driving economic growth.

Basintale’s call to action is a reminder that, in order to achieve sustainable development, Ghana must focus on creating a more diverse and resilient job market.