The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that Ghana’s long-term economic stability depends on the private sector taking the lead in job creation rather than relying heavily on government recruitment.
According to him, while the state plays a crucial role in providing essential services, it cannot sustainably absorb the large numbers of job seekers entering the labour market each year.
He explained that government employment must be strategic and focused on sectors where public service delivery is essential, but broader job growth must come from the real sector and private enterprises.
“The government cannot say that we are not employing; we have to employ strategically and sustainably. So you will have to make provision to employ some, at the same time generate jobs, particularly in the real sector, which is what this budget seeks to do to support the government.
“Remember, the government cannot do it all alone. In most countries, the governments account for about 15% of the employment, and the private sector does the rest. Because the private sector employment is the most sustainable and not the government sector,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s role is to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow and expand, thereby generating more sustainable jobs.
“…So always, the private sector should take the bulk of the employment,” he added.
