The journey to securing a job has begun for most graduates who have just completed their mandatory National Service assignment.
For some of them, the thought of not securing a job immediately, amidst the current high cost of living in the country is scary.
The National Service Scheme is a program that deploys a pool of skilled manpower drawn primarily from tertiary institutions to support the development efforts of both the public and private sectors in Ghana.
It is mandatory for all Ghanaians graduating from tertiary educational institutions who are not less than eighteen years old.
Esther Obiri, a Kumasi-based graduate is among over 150,000 others who have ended their National Service assignment.
She aims to secure employment in the teaching field with her childhood education diploma.
However, the high rate of graduate unemployment and the fear of not securing a job instantly, frightens her.
“Looking at the rate of unemployment in the country, when you look at other colleagues who completed years ago and are still unemployed, it becomes frustrating and you become scared of even taking the next step. You get confused whether to apply for a job or start your own business but where to get the capital too becomes a headache”, Esther said in an interview on October 8, 2023.
The 25-year-old is experiencing a worrying situation due to rising cost of living, lack of income, and no job prospects after service.
Esther and her colleagues are awaiting payment from the National Service Secretariat to alleviate their current financial burdens.
The monthly allowance was increased from GHC559 ($48) to GHC715 ($61) to cater for the rising cost of living.
“The National Service Secretariat is still owing us three months with some arrears as top up from January to June totaling GHc3,081 ($262). We need that money to keep ourselves going. If the Secretariat can pay the arrears in bulk, it will help some of us get a capital and start some small businesses whilst searching for a job.”
Unemployment could be traumatic for young graduates, and one would be fortunate to secure a job immediately after National Service.
By Ibrahim Abubakar