Young Ghanaians are leaving the country in search of opportunities, not because they lack talent, but because local systems for technical skills and career guidance are failing to prepare them for the workforce, according to Timothy Aposiyine Nsoh, Director of Integrated Youth Needs and Welfare (INTYON).
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Equal Voices, he warned that Ghana risks losing a generation of skilled and talented young people if urgent interventions are not made.
“With all your degrees, if you don’t have technical people, you will not be able to function,” he said.
Mr. Nsoh noted that artisans, technicians, and creative professionals are undervalued, under-equipped, and unsupported. Countries such as Germany and Dubai are attracting these skilled workers because of better tools, support, and respect for their craft.
“Imagine a carpenter without the necessary tools. A job that should take minutes ends up taking weeks because everything is done manually,” he said.
He added that even doctors are leaving the country because hospitals lack essential equipment. “You want to save a life, but the machines are not available. You are then seen as incompetent, not because you lack knowledge, but because the tools are not there,” he said.
Mr. Nsoh argued that Ghana has the resources to equip its youth, but misplaced priorities and corruption have blocked progress. Funds that could have gone to hospitals, technical schools, and youth development have often been misused.
He also criticized the education system, which emphasizes theory over practical skills. Students graduate with degrees but often lack the hands-on experience needed to succeed in the workforce.
“In Ghana, knowledge is often defined by memorizing and recalling. Real knowledge is when you can use what you have learned to produce something tangible,” he said.
Poor career guidance also leaves many students in the dark. Many choose courses based on parental pressure, peer influence, or availability, rather than personal interest.
“People complete university and still don’t know why they studied what they studied. Some do agriculture and end up in banking; some do banking and end up farming,” he said.
Mr. Nsoh emphasized the importance of mentorship and support for young people. “If a child wants to be a dancer, drummer, or singer, let them. With guidance and support, they can succeed,” he said.
He warned that without proper systems in place, youth will continue to migrate abroad in search of opportunity, leaving gaps in critical sectors in Ghana.
“Some nurses who graduated in 2021 and 2022 are still unemployed. Teachers, graduates from technical universities, and other professionals are waiting for opportunities that never come. Once they get a chance abroad, they won’t hesitate to leave,” he said.
He concluded by urging families, schools, and the government to create systems that identify young people’s interests early, support skill development, and provide mentorship.
“Charity begins at home. Start with the child. Find out their interest, nurture it, and support it. That is how we prepare youth for development,” he said.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga
