Basic 9 · Social Studies · Our Natural and Human Resources
Human Resource Challenges in Ghana
In this topic you will further evaluate human resources, including unemployment, brain drain and the role of the youth, and identify ways of improving them.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain challenges facing human resources
- Discuss solutions to unemployment and brain drain
- Plan your own contribution
What you already know
- Developing human resources
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Our Natural and Human Resources
- Indicator
- B9.1.4.1.2 – Evaluate the importance of human resources to the development of Ghana
Introduction
Many graduates cannot find jobs, yet many employers say they cannot find skilled workers. How can both be true?
1. Main Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| youth unemployment | not enough jobs for young people |
| skills mismatch | training does not match job needs |
| brain drain | skilled people leave the country |
| low wages | workers lack motivation |
| poor health | malaria and other diseases |
| corruption | jobs given by favour rather than merit |
| regional gaps | fewer services in the north and rural areas |
2. Youth Unemployment
Ghana's population is young, and each year many leave school in search of work. Formal jobs are limited, so many enter the informal sector as traders, drivers or labourers. Some young people have turned to illegal mining or betting. Government programmes aim to create jobs and to support young entrepreneurs. Learners should think about how to create work, not just how to find it.
3. Brain Drain
Brain drain: The movement of skilled people from a country to work abroad.
Many Ghanaian doctors and nurses have moved abroad, seeking better pay and conditions. This leaves hospitals short of staff. However, those abroad often send money home, known as remittances, and they may return with new skills. Better pay, working conditions and opportunities could encourage more people to stay.
4. Rural and Urban Gaps
Many young people migrate from rural areas to cities, looking for work and services. In the north, many girls travel to Accra and Kumasi to work as kayayei, or head porters. They often live in poor conditions. This movement leaves villages without young workers. Better rural roads, schools, health centres and farm incomes could reduce this pressure. Development must reach all parts of the country.
5. Attitudes to Work
Some Ghanaians complain of poor attitudes to work, including lateness, laziness and a lack of care for public property. These habits reduce productivity. Others are hard-working but are not treated fairly. Good attitudes are part of human resource development. Punctuality, honesty and pride in work begin in school. A nation depends on the character of its people as well as on their certificates.
New words
- unemployment
- Being without a paid job.
- brain drain
- Skilled people leaving a country.
- remittance
- Money sent home from abroad.
- kayayei
- Girls who work as head porters.
Summary
- Unemployment and skills mismatch are major challenges.
- Brain drain removes skilled workers.
- Rural-urban gaps and poor attitudes hold back development.
Class activity: Problem Tree
- Draw a tree for youth unemployment.
- Show causes as roots and effects as branches.
- Suggest solutions.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian farmers, Nurses, Local newspaper, Map of Ghana
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Skilled people leaving a country is called…
- A. brain drain
- B. drought
- C. census
- D. inflation
Show answer
Answer: brain drainTerm.2. Money sent home from abroad is a…
- A. remittance
- B. tariff
- C. royalty
- D. levy
Show answer
Answer: remittanceTerm.3. Many young people work in the informal sector.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueJobs.4. Girls who work as head porters are called ______.
Show answer
Answer: kayayeiTerm.5. State three challenges of human resources.
Show answer
Answer: Unemployment, brain drain and low wages.Any three.6. What is a skills mismatch?
Show answer
Answer: When training does not fit the skills that employers need.Term.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Our Natural and Human Resources
- Indicator
- B9.1.4.1.2 – Evaluate the importance of human resources to the development of Ghana
Introduction
Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are already building today.
1. National Solutions
| Solution | Example |
|---|---|
| quality education | better teaching and science labs |
| TVET | practical skills |
| support for business | loans and training for start-ups |
| health care | insurance and clinics |
| fair pay | motivating workers |
| rural development | roads and services |
| fighting corruption | merit-based hiring |
2. Institutions That Help
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| CTVET | supervises technical education |
| Ghana Enterprises Agency | supports small businesses |
| National Service Authority | places graduates in service |
| National Youth Authority | supports young people |
| Ghana Education Service | runs pre-tertiary education |
Such institutions need good funding and honest management. Young people can use the services they offer. Many learners do not know that these opportunities exist. Ask your teachers and counsellors, and find out what is available in your district.
3. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship: Starting and running a business, and taking risks to do so.
Not every young person will find a salaried job, so some must create their own. Entrepreneurs identify a need and provide a solution. A young person in Ghana could make and sell soap, repair phones, grow vegetables or design websites. Good entrepreneurs plan, save, keep records and treat customers well. Failure is a part of learning, and many successful businesses began with little money.
4. Your Own Plan
- Think about your strengths.
- Study hard in the subjects you need.
- Choose a suitable programme after the B.E.C.E.
- Learn a practical skill.
- Develop good habits.
- Serve your community.
The SHS and TVET options that you choose after the B.E.C.E. are important. Discuss them with your parents and with a guidance counsellor. Do not choose a programme simply because your friends have chosen it.
5. Patriotism
Patriotism means love for your country, shown through action. It means paying taxes, protecting public property, reporting corruption, working hard and being honest. Kwame Nkrumah urged Ghanaians to seek political freedom first, and today's generation must seek economic and moral progress. Ghana's national pledge begins with a promise to be faithful and loyal to Ghana. Keep that promise in your daily work.
New words
- TVET
- Technical and vocational education and training.
- entrepreneurship
- Starting and running a business.
- patriotism
- Love for one's country.
- guidance
- Advice on choices.
Summary
- Solutions include quality education and support for business.
- Institutions offer opportunities.
- Young people should plan, serve and work honestly.
Class activity: Business Idea
- Think of a need in your community.
- Plan a small business to meet it.
- Present your plan.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian farmers, Nurses, Local newspaper, Map of Ghana
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Love for one's country is…
- A. patriotism
- B. tribalism
- C. corruption
- D. migration
Show answer
Answer: patriotismTerm.2. Which agency supports small businesses?
- A. Ghana Enterprises Agency
- B. EPA
- C. NCCE
- D. ECG
Show answer
Answer: Ghana Enterprises AgencyInstitution.3. Entrepreneurs identify needs.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBusiness.4. Starting and running a business is ______.
Show answer
Answer: entrepreneurshipTerm.5. State three national solutions.
Show answer
Answer: Quality education, TVET and fair pay.Any three.6. Why should you not choose a programme just because of your friends?
Show answer
Answer: It should suit your own abilities and goals.Choice.
Homework
- Write your career plan for the next ten years.