Graduate Unemployment in Ghana: A Colonial Legacy in Education and Curriculum?

• In Event: The Geopolitical Economic of Knowledge Production

Abstract

Employment in Ghana is often dictated by political connections rather than merit, leading to high graduate unemployment. This conceptual paper links individual unemployment problems with systemic educational and curriculum deficiencies, tracing their roots to colonialism and coloniality. Despite Ghana's economic growth, many graduates struggle to find suitable jobs due to skills mismatches and limited opportunities, as education often prioritizes Western standards over local needs. This paper employs sociological imagination to analyze how historical, sociocultural, and economic factors contribute to employment barriers, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics. By examining the curriculum's colonial influence and its impact on employability, this study aims to provide insights into the persistent graduate unemployment problem, highlighting the need for educational reform in Ghana.

Author

• Ali Ahmed, Texas Tech University