New Economy will tackle unemployment and restore hope – Ato Forson

Ghana's Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has unveiled his vision for the New Economy, which aims to tackle unemployment and restore hope for the nation's young people, farmers, and small businesses. The unemployment crisis, according to Dr Forson, is deeply personal, affecting graduates who cannot find work and talented individuals who lack capital. He emphasized that the country cannot accept a situation where education does not lead to employment and productive effort yields little opportunity.

Dr Forson's message places jobs and economic opportunity at the forefront of the New Economy, highlighting the struggles faced by those in unemployment. He specifically mentioned the challenges faced by farmers who produce without reliable markets and small business owners whose expansion ambitions are hindered by the cost of credit. His remarks underscored the necessity of addressing both the search for work and the obstacles preventing those capable of creating opportunities.

For families, the burden of unemployment is particularly painful, especially when years of sacrifice to finance a child's education are met with disappointment, as the child remains unemployed at home. Dr Forson rejected the notion that such experiences should become an accepted part of national life, stating that no serious nation can tolerate this as normal.

He made these remarks during an engagement with students and faculty at the University of Development Studies at their Nyankpala Campus, emphasizing that the New Economy aims to change the status quo and provide a better future for all Ghanaians.