Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Seidu Agongo has highlighted the devastating consequences of Ghana’s unemployment crisis.
He.made the observation in a write-up following a tragic stampede at a military recruitment exercise that claimed the lives of six young Ghanaians and injured 34 others on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
In the article, Mr. Agongo described the incident as a “wake-up call” that underscores the country’s grim unemployment situation, with over 500,000 young people entering the job market every year, but job creation not keeping pace.
“The stampede is more than a tragic accident—it is a wake-up call that unemployment is not just an economic statistic; it is a ticking time bomb,” he wrote.
Mr. Agongo attributed the desperation of Ghana’s youth to the scarcity of job opportunities, noting that the military and other security agencies represent a stable and respectable career option for many.
He criticized the lack of proper planning and organization of the recruitment exercise, questioning why applicants were not staggered by time slots and why there was no robust online pre-screening system to reduce physical congestion.
He further called on the government to treat unemployment as a national emergency, investing in job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
He also emphasized the need for recruitment exercises to be restructured to prioritize safety and efficiency.
“Ghana’s youth are not lazy—they are desperate; they are willing to risk their lives for a job that pays a modest salary because the alternatives are bleak,” he stated.
The article concluded with a call to action, urging leaders to focus on solutions and rally behind efforts to reform the country and address the unemployment crisis.
The Root Cause:
– Unemployment
The unemployment crisis is a national security risk, with experts warning that joblessness poses a threat to public safety and national cohesion.
The World Bank has stated that Ghana faces a severe jobs challenge despite years of economic growth.
– Call to Action:
The government must treat unemployment as a national emergency, investing in job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
The government’s efforts to roll out the Big Push, the 24-Hour Economy policy, and the reformation of the mining sector around domestic value addition are vital steps in the right direction.
Reforms Needed:
The incident highlights the need for proper planning and organization of public events.
Recruitment exercises must be restructured to prioritize safety and efficiency, with digital platforms and staggered schedules reducing congestion.
Social gatherings of this scale should be subject to strict safety protocols, with security personnel trained to manage crowds effectively and emergency measures duly activated.
