In an effort to tackle Ghana’s rising unemployment rate, The Ghana Report has launched its maiden Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair, set to run from Thursday, September 19th, to Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the Independence Square and the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

The official launch, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, was presided over by the Group CEO of I-ZAR Group, Rashida Saani.

In her address, Rashida emphasized the importance of fairness in Ghana’s fight against unemployment, particularly among the youth. Citing recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, she highlighted that Ghana’s unemployment rate stands at 14.7%, with the number of unemployed youth between 15 and 35 years old rising from 1.2 million to over 1.3 million. "These figures represent not just numbers but real lives, aspirations, and the growth potential that we as a nation must harness," she said.

The CEO stressed that a significant feature of the fair will be its focus on merit-based recruitment. "We are committed to ensuring that all recruitment at the fair is free from 'protocol recruitment' practices. There is zero tolerance for the ‘protocol list’ at this fair," she declared, noting that participants will be evaluated solely on their qualifications and the value they bring.

This move aims to level the playing field for job seekers, eliminate biases, and ensure a transparent hiring process. According to the CEO, this approach not only helps reduce unemployment but also ensures that employers find the most qualified talent to drive their businesses forward. The CEO announced that novel business plans will be selected under a 3-tier funding scheme, providing financial backing for innovative ideas that have the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

In his speech, Emmanuel Kwasi Afriyie, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Youth Employment Agency, expressed delight over the partnership between his outfit and The Ghana Report, stressing that the fair will not only provide job seekers with opportunities but also offer employers a unique platform to engage with a wide range of candidates.

Participants can also expect to acquire practical skills through rapid skills acquisition training, covering areas such as CCTV installation, solar panel installation, fashion design, STEM, and more. Renowned business leaders will also deliver talk sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of work.