The Effect of Graduate Unemployment on Career Development in Ghana

This study examines the effect of unemployed graduates in Ghana on their career development. The study adopts a mixed research methodology through a structured questionnaire and interview guide. Purposive sampling was employed for a sample of 250 respondents, including both private and public universities and Human Resource professionals in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Based on content analysis, correlation and regression analysis techniques, the study found that the unemployment situation in Ghana can also be attributed to the programmes pursued in the universities. The study discovered that one key demographic characteristic that might influence graduate unemployment would be the age of the graduates. The study found that graduates who offered psychology, sociology, physical sciences, Mathematics, engineering, government, political studies, Health (Nursing, Doctors, etc.), arts and history normally find it difficult to be employed in Ghana. The findings of the study further demonstrated that unemployment status has a negative and significant impact on the career development of graduates. The study recommended that the majority of the teaching that goes on in our universities should be reviewed in terms of projects and skills that are relevant to the current economy and workplace demands.