Unemployment and limited economic opportunities are increasingly becoming a major concern among young people in the Western North Region, with residents calling for urgent government intervention to create jobs and accelerate development across the region.
The concerns have been heightened by what residents describe as the region’s enormous mineral wealth, particularly gold, which they believe has not translated sufficiently into sustainable employment opportunities and improved living conditions for many communities.
According to some residents, young people continue to struggle to secure decent and sustainable jobs despite the region’s significant contribution to Ghana’s mining economy. They argue that the situation has created frustration among graduates, skilled workers and other young people seeking opportunities.
The residents are therefore questioning the extent to which communities in the mineral-rich region are benefiting from the exploitation of their natural resources. They want greater investment in local industries, infrastructure, skills development and job-creating enterprises.
Some young people have also called for stronger collaboration between the government, mining companies, traditional authorities and local assemblies to develop programmes capable of providing sustainable livelihoods for people in mining communities and surrounding areas.
They believe that beyond the extraction of minerals, deliberate efforts must be made to establish businesses and industries that can create employment, promote local enterprise and add value to resources produced in the region.
Residents further argue that improved roads, electricity, education, healthcare and other basic infrastructure are essential to unlocking the economic potential of the Western North Region. They insist that development should extend beyond mining activities to benefit communities across the region.
The youth are particularly concerned about the growing number of young people who complete tertiary education and vocational training but struggle to secure employment. They warn that the lack of opportunities could worsen social and economic challenges if urgent measures are not introduced.
They are therefore appealing to the government to prioritise the Western North Region in its job-creation and development programmes while ensuring that local communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic activities within the region.
The residents are also calling for greater accountability and transparency in the management of revenues and development initiatives associated with the region’s natural resources. They insist that the region’s mineral wealth must contribute more directly to improving the welfare of its people.
As pressure mounts for action, the youth and residents say they expect concrete measures rather than promises, including targeted employment programmes, support for local businesses, improved infrastructure and investments capable of transforming the region’s mineral wealth into sustainable economic opportunities.
