By Desmond Darko, CEO and Founder of Young Dee Group.
Across Ghana, the loudest cry you hear is: “There are no jobs!”
But what if I tell you that is not the real problem?
The truth though uncomfortable is that there are thousands of jobs available, but too few people ready, qualified, and disciplined enough to do them.
This is not a political slogan. It is the everyday reality for business owners across the country.
The Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About
While politicians debate job creation and the public complains about unemployment, we are ignoring a dangerous truth:
The real crisis is not job scarcity it’s the scarcity of employable people
Too many job seekers lack the right qualifications, relevant training, and most critically the work ethic required to succeed. Many arrive with certificates but without skills. Others have skills but lack discipline, integrity, and reliability.
No employer can run a business on good intentions;
You could be the nicest, most positive person in the world, but if you cannot perform the tasks and meet the standards the business needs, your “good intentions” won’t keep the company afloat.
It’s the same as saying: “You can’t drive a car with only fuel in your heart; you need fuel in the tank.”
Productivity vs. Motivation – The Gap That Kills Careers
Distinctively exploit optimal alignments for intuitive bandwidth. Quickly coordinate e-business applications through revolutionary catalysts for change. Seamlessly underwhelm optimal testing procedures whereas bricks-and-clicks processes.
Employers think productivity.
Employees think motivation.
This is where the disconnect lies.
Many employees want to feel inspired before putting in the work, but in reality, motivation comes after you’ve given your best and achieved results.
Business owners do not have time to babysit workers into discipline. They are looking for people who are ready to contribute from day one—those who solve problems, follow instructions, and treat the business like their own.
The Ten Traits of Highly Employable People
Every serious employer is looking for:
- Moral Values – Guided by conscience, respect, and fear of God
- Relevant Skills – Technical know-how to perform effectively.
- Strong Work Ethics – Reliability, discipline, and personal responsibility.
- Integrity – Honesty and trustworthiness at all times.
- Ability to Follow Instructions – Respecting Structures and leadership.
- Problem-Solving Skills – Bringing solutions, not just complaints.
- Positive Attitude – Staying constructive under pressure.
- Punctuality & Reliability – Time-conscious and dependable.
- Adaptability – Willingness to learn and adjust quickly.
- Dedication – Going beyond the minimum.
Why Many Youth Miss Out
Too many young people want to enjoy what their bosses enjoy but are not ready to go through their sacrifices. They dream of success without embracing the discipline and sacrifices behind it.
We cannot blame the youth too for this because these things are not intentionally taught in schools, churches, mosques, and at home.
Yes, companies can coach new hires, but they cannot teach you basic moral discipline and self-drive. If you come without them, the job will not keep you.
The Way Forward
If we want to truly tackle unemployment, we must start building strong work ethics in our homes, churches, schools, and communities.
We must teach:
- Integrity and honesty
- Dedication to excellence
- Obedience to instructions
- Hard work and resilience
- Problem-solving ability
- Continuous personal growth
When workers focus on input and employers focus on output, we will meet at the center of productivity and that is where motivation, promotion, and prosperity happen.
Final Word
Unemployment in Ghana is not just an economic issue it’s a cultural and ethical one.
We don’t just need more jobs.
We need more ready, skilled, and disciplined people to take them.
The real question is not “Where are the jobs?” but “Where are the people prepared to work?”
Until we answer that, the cycle will continue no matter how many jobs are created.