FROM MBA TO NOWHERE: JOSEPH APPIAH'S UNEMPLOYMENT NIGHTMARE. A SYMPTOM OF GHANA'S BROKEN JOB MARKET

FROM MBA TO NOWHERE: JOSEPH APPIAH'S UNEMPLOYMENT NIGHTMARE

A SYMPTOM OF GHANA'S BROKEN JOB MARKET

By: Francis Appiah, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D. Candidate), with expertise in Medical Journalism, Medical Laboratory Science, Integrative/Complementary Health, CAM and Healthcare Management

A PERSONAL STORY OF STRUGGLE AND RESILIENCE

In Ghana, a nation praised for its economic growth and democratic stability, a disturbing reality lurks beneath the surface. Educated youth, armed with degrees and certifications, struggle to find employment. Joseph Appiah's story exemplifies this crisis, showcasing resilience and underscoring the need for policy reforms.

AN ELUSIVE JOB

Joseph's journey began promisingly. Born in Manso Odaho, Amansie West District, Ashanti Region, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and later, an MBA in Finance from Ghana Baptist University College, Kumasi. With a strong academic record and relevant work experience, he seemed poised for success. However, unemployment has taken a devastating toll on his mental and physical well-being.

Joseph has applied to numerous prominent institutions, but the lack of feedback, despite follow-ups, has been disheartening. Some potential employers even implied that without connections, his chances of employment were slim.

A LIFE AFFECTED

Joseph's unemployment affects not only him but also his family. His mother, a farmer who struggled to finance his education, now supports him financially. Joseph's dignity suffers as he resorts to mason work to survive.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Joseph holds a Master's in Business Administration, Finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting. He has worked as a Credit Officer and completed National Service and an internship.

SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

Joseph's expertise spans Financial Analysis and Modeling, Strong Computer Literacy Skills, Financial Planning, Regulations, Compliance, and Strategy, Leadership and Teamwork, Strong Verbal and Written Communication, Auditing and Internal Control, and Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking.

The BIGGER PICTURE: GRADUATE UNEMPLOYMENT IN GHANA

Joseph Appiah's story is not unique. Ghana's graduate unemployment rate exceeds that of many other countries. Thousands of educated youth face similar challenges.

VOICES OF UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES

We conducted phone interviews and online surveys with unemployed graduates, who shared their experiences:

Emmanuel lamented, "I've applied to so many jobs since graduating, with no response."

Anthony shared, "I'm working as a casual laborer, but my degree is gathering dust." 

Bridget confessed, "I've lost count of the number of applications I've submitted. It's demoralizing."

Doku, an unemployed graduate, shared, "I've applied to countless jobs, but without connections, I'm invisible."

Brew, a job seeker, lamented, "I was told to 'know someone' to get hired. It's demoralizing."

Christabel, a former civil servant, revealed, Politics determines who gets hired, not qualifications.

EXPERT INSIGHTS

Dr. Isaac Kofi Biney, a lecturer at the University of Ghana, notes:

"Unemployment is a global issue... It appears the proliferation of social ills being witnessed today constitutes some of the challenges of unemployment facing the youth. Ghana, today, has in existence 'Unemployed University Graduate Association'. Three years ago, the National Labour Commission estimates a staggering unemployed graduate figure of 700,000."

Dr. Biney's expertise underscores the urgency for policy reforms and innovative solutions to address skills mismatch, job creation, and labor market flexibility.

ALARMING STATISTICS

Ghana's graduate unemployment rate stands at 10.7% (Ghana Statistical Service, 2022). This exceeds neighboring countries:

Nigeria has a rate of 6.3% (National Bureau of Statistics, 2022)

and Ivory Coast has a rate of 5.8% (Institut National de la Statistique, 2022).

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Experts propose skills training programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, public-private partnerships, education system reforms, internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and job creation incentives for businesses.

THE POLITICIZATION OF JOBS: A BARRIER TO EMPLOYMENT FOR THE VULNERABLE

Ghana's job market has become increasingly politicized, exacerbating the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals lacking connections. This phenomenon perpetuates unemployment among those without influential ties.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF POLITICIZATION

Perpetual unemployment among vulnerable individuals reinforces poverty and desperation. Furthermore, politicization drives skilled professionals abroad, depleting Ghana's talent pool. It also reinforces existing social and economic disparities, hindering social mobility. Ultimately, politicization compromises merit-based hiring, undermining innovation and economic growth.

A CALL TO ACTION

Ghana's leaders must acknowledge the severity of this crisis and develop effective solutions. They must also address politicization of jobs, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Specifically, we call for immediate employment opportunities for Joseph Appiah and other qualified graduates.

THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW

Ghana's future depends on its youth. Joseph Appiah's story serves as a wake-up call.

A SYMBOL OF RESILIENCE

Joseph remains hopeful, determined to contribute to Ghana's growth. "I want to use my skills to make a difference," he says. "I want to create jobs, not just seek one."

CONCLUSION 

Joseph Appiah's story highlights the pressing issue of graduate unemployment in Ghana. To address this crisis, we must provide Joseph and other qualified graduates with job opportunities, by implementing transparent hiring practices, making job openings publicly accessible, enhance employability through skills programs, anti-nepotism policies, and entrepreneurship support. We urge stakeholders to take immediate action.

Will Ghana's leaders heed the call? Only time will tell.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Francis Appiah, N.D. Candidate

Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology, Tema Community 7

Francis Appiah is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine candidate with expertise in medical laboratory technology, medical journalism, complementary/integrative medicine, and CAM healthcare management. He leverages this diverse background to deliver holistic care. With over eight years of experience in Ghana's healthcare sector, Francis excels in clinical diagnosis, integrative medicine, patient-centered care, analytical and diagnostic skills, problem-solving, and healthcare management.

His mission is to establish Franapp Holistic Medical Centre, providing comprehensive conventional and natural medicine services to all Ghanaians and bridging the gap between traditional and holistic healthcare for optimal wellness.

DISCLAIMER 

"The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency, educational institution, or organization mentioned. The information provided is for general awareness and educational purposes only.

The story of Joseph Appiah is a real account, shared with permission, and any resemblance to other individuals or experiences is coincidental. The article's purpose is to raise awareness about graduate unemployment in Ghana and spark constructive dialogue.

The author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided. The article is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive treatment of the topic.

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