The recent New Patriotic Party (NPP) manifesto launch for Election 2024 has raised significant questions about the government’s claims on job creation.

The assertion that 2.3 million jobs have been created since 2017 is met with skepticism when juxtaposed with existing employment data. According to the government payroll, only 760,000 individuals are employed in the public sector, while the Social Security and National Investment Trust (SSNIT) lists 1.4 million active contributors.

This leaves over one million individuals unaccounted for, casting doubt on the accuracy of the government’s figures.

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) data indicates a troubling rise in unemployment, with youth aged 15 to 35 increasing from 1.2 million to over 1.3 million by the third quarter of 2023.

This rise in unemployment is disproportionately affecting females, underscoring a growing disparity. The situation is exacerbated by the issue of underemployment and working poverty, which are not reflected in the government’s job creation statistics.Without specific details on the sectors where these jobs have been created, skepticism about the figures remains.

Private sector data from SSNIT suggests it is the major employer, yet there is no corresponding decrease in poverty levels. Oxfam’s reports show that poverty rates have remained alarmingly high, with around 2.99 million people living in extreme poverty as of 2023.

This indicates that job creation may not be translating into meaningful economic improvement for many.Unemployment is not just an economic issue; it is a serious security threat, often described as a “ticking time bomb.”

As such, it is crucial for the government to provide a transparent account of how over one million purportedly employed individuals are contributing to national development.

In today’s digital age, where information is readily accessible, the need for government transparency is more pressing than ever. Investing in meaningful ventures that provide real job security for the youth is essential for genuine progress.

The government must address these discrepancies and focus on strategies that create sustainable employment opportunities to truly tackle unemployment and its broader implications