Ghana's Care Economy Could Solve Youth Unemployment and Elderly Support Gaps

Ghana's youth unemployment crisis could find a solution in an unexpected area: the 'care economy'. Professor Charles Ackah, a leading researcher at ISSER, has highlighted the untapped potential of professional caregiving as a major source of jobs. With the country's elderly population growing and support systems lacking, experts see a chance to create thousands of sustainable roles for young graduates.

Ghana's ageing society is creating a rising demand for specialised care. Life expectancy is increasing, yet many seniors—especially in rural areas—now live alone as younger generations move to cities for work. This shift leaves a vast, underserved market for professional caregivers.

The current unemployment rates—13.6% in 2024 and 12.8% in 2025—show the urgency of job creation. Formalising the caregiving sector could absorb many of these unemployed youth, offering stable careers for university and high school graduates. Unlike childcare or maternity leave, elder care remains largely unaddressed in Ghana's social protection policies.

To make this work, the country would need a structured approach. A national policy, specialised training programmes, and a sustainable funding model would be essential. Such a system could transform caregiving into a respected profession, much like nursing or teaching. The result would be twofold: better quality of life for the elderly and a new employment pathway for thousands of young Ghanaians.

The care economy presents a concrete opportunity to tackle both youth unemployment and the needs of an ageing population. Without formal policies and training, however, the potential will remain unrealised. If implemented, this sector could become a cornerstone of Ghana's job market in the coming years.