PRIVATE SECTOR MUST TAKE LEAD ROLE IN JOB CREATION – Ato Forson
The Finance Minister has outlined a strategic shift in the government's employment policy, stating that while the state will continue to hire essential workers, sustainable job creation must be driven by private enterprise.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has called on the private sector to become the primary engine for job creation in Ghana, signaling a strategic shift away from mass public sector recruitment.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 14, Dr. Forson explained that the government can no longer bear the burden of being the main employer, especially when economic capacity and infrastructure do not support it.
“Government cannot continue to carry the weight of mass employment,” he stated, emphasizing that public hiring must be strategic and sustainable. He illustrated this by noting that employing doctors and teachers must be directly tied to the availability of hospitals and classrooms.
Dr. Forson clarified that the government is not halting recruitment entirely but is moving towards a more deliberate model. He revealed that the 2026 Budget is designed to channel resources into sectors that can foster large-scale employment through private investment and enterprise growth.
This approach, he argued, aligns with global standards. “In most countries, the government does just 15 to 20% of the employment, and the private sector does the rest,” Dr. Forson said. “The private sector is the most sustainable, not the government sector, so it should take the bulk of the employment force.”
The Minister’s comments underscore the government’s intent to reposition the economy, relying on a vibrant private sector to absorb the majority of the labour force while the state focuses on creating a conducive environment for business and hiring for essential public services.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
