Ghana, like many other African countries, suffers substantial issues in young employment. Despite economic progress, many young Ghanaians are unable to find stable, well-paying work due to skill gaps, restricted access to entrepreneurial training, and insufficient job creation in critical industries.
To solve these difficulties, I am confident that I.N.S.P.I.R.E. (Implementing New Solutions for the Professional Integration of Human Resources in Ghana’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem) would provide employment possibilities.
The project, which is funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation Development (AICS) and implemented by a consortium of institutions including Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), E4Impact Foundation, University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), CRISP, VIS, and Don Bosco Youth Network (DBYN), aims to close the labour supply-demand gap in Ghana. The I.N.S.P.I.R.E Project aims to empower young Ghanaians, notably women and people with disabilities, to succeed in the job market by focusing on skills development, SMEs’ competitiveness, and inclusive employment creation.
This article examines the project’s objectives, which include job creation, educational advancement, and SME development, as well as how these efforts contribute to Ghana’s long-term economic progress.
Overview of the I.N.S.P.I.R.E Project
The I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Project is a multifaceted program that aims to boost Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by matching labour skills to market demands. The project operates in five core regions – Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Bono, and Western Regions—and targets young unemployment using three primary strategies:
• Direct employment creation (1,620 jobs, 35% for women and 1% for individuals with disabilities).
• Providing education and training to 4,615 young Ghanaians.
• Improving SME competitiveness and workforce absorption for 570 local firms.
Direct job creation
One of the project’s primary aims is to create 1,620 direct jobs for young Ghanaians. This objective focusses not just on number but also on inclusivity, with 35% of these jobs going to women and 1% going to those with disabilities.
By assigning 35% of these jobs to women, the scheme directly addresses gender imbalances in the labour force. Cultural norms, educational gaps, and caregiving duties frequently make it more difficult for women in Ghana, particularly in the project’s target regions, to find work.
By assuring female participation, the project promotes gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Furthermore, by allocating 1% of job openings to people with disabilities, I.N.S.P.I.R.E. promotes an inclusive atmosphere that acknowledges the population’s different capacities.
This part of the initiative is critical, as people with disabilities in Ghana frequently face limited prospects due to access issues, societal stigma, and a lack of appropriate vocational training.
Enhancing education and training
The I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Project recognizes that closing the education-to-employment gap requires more than just job placements; it also necessitates a fundamental overhaul of the educational and training ecosystem. To that end, the project is investing in the creation of realistic, market-oriented curricula and training programs tailored to the changing needs of the business sector.
The project partners with universities, vocational training institutes, and entrepreneurship hubs to provide targeted technical and vocational training for high-growth areas.
• Improve soft skills including communication, leadership, teamwork, and digital literacy.
• Mentoring and education for emerging entrepreneurs.
• Internships and apprenticeships offer hands-on industry experience.
Boosting SME competitiveness
Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) constitute the backbone of Ghana’s economy, employing more than 80% of the workforce. Many SMEs, however, confront problems that limit their ability to expand and hire more employees, such as a lack of access to funding, inadequate management capacity, and outmoded technology.
The I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Project recognizes that empowering SMEs is an important step towards long-term job creation. This is accomplished through business development services such as coaching and strategic planning, access to affordable financing and investment readiness support, training in digital transformation and operational efficiency, and human resource development and inclusive hiring practices.
Conclusion
The I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Project is a game-changing project that combats young unemployment in Ghana by creating jobs, developing skills, and fostering entrepreneurship.
By focusing on 1,620 direct jobs, upskilling 4,615 youth, and enabling 570 SMEs, the project provides the groundwork for long-term economic stability. The project coincides with Ghana’s aim for equitable development by taking an inclusive strategy that prioritises women, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged regions.
As it proceeds, the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Project will not only eliminate unemployment but also inspire a new generation of talented professionals and entrepreneurs, propelling Ghana towards a wealthy future.
