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Minister’s Claim of 15% Unemployment Rate Inheritance Proven False
Official data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has contradicted claims made by the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, regarding unemployment figures inherited by the current administration.
During a January 19, 2026 interview on Radio Gold, Pelpuo, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Wa Central, asserted that the John Dramani Mahama-led government inherited an unemployment rate of 15% when it took office in January 2025.
“We inherited the last government with as much as 15% unemployment all over,” Pelpuo stated during the broadcast. “We made sure that we tackled the first 15%, which was our priority last year, and we created those opportunities at the Youth Employment Agencies to target them throughout the country and give them something.”
However, official statistics paint a different picture. According to the executive summary of labour statistics released by the GSS in July 2025, Ghana’s unemployment rate had actually declined to 13.1% in the last quarter of 2024 – immediately before the NDC government took office.
“The national unemployment rate declined from a peak of 14.9 per cent in 2023 Q1 to 13.1 per cent in 2024 Q4, though female unemployment remained higher than male unemployment, with the gender gap narrowing from 7.4 to 3.9 percentage points,” the GSS report stated.
This discrepancy of nearly two percentage points represents thousands of Ghanaian workers, making the minister’s claim significantly inaccurate.
Ghana’s unemployment challenges have been a persistent economic concern for successive administrations. The country has struggled with creating sufficient formal sector jobs to absorb its growing youth population. While the trend showed improvement in late 2024, unemployment remains substantially higher than the single-digit rates seen in more developed economies.
The gender disparity in unemployment highlighted by the GSS also underscores deeper structural issues within Ghana’s labor market. Though the gap has narrowed, women continue to face greater challenges in securing employment compared to their male counterparts.
This is not the first instance of government officials making inaccurate statements about inherited economic indicators. In October 2025, fact-checkers debunked similar claims made by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communication, regarding employment statistics from the previous administration.
The Mahama administration has made job creation a central pillar of its economic agenda, with particular emphasis on youth employment initiatives. The Youth Employment Agencies mentioned by Minister Pelpuo represent one of several government strategies aimed at tackling the unemployment challenge.
Economic analysts have pointed out that accurate baseline data is crucial for measuring the success of such employment initiatives. Misrepresenting inherited statistics can create a false impression of progress and undermine public trust in government reporting.
The GSS, established as an independent statistical agency, continues to be the authoritative source for Ghana’s economic and demographic data. Its quarterly labor statistics provide essential insights for policymakers and researchers tracking the country’s economic development.
Based on the official GSS data, the minister’s claim that the NDC government inherited a 15% unemployment rate in January 2025 has been determined to be false. The actual figure stood at 13.1% according to the country’s official statistical authority.
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7 Comments
The discrepancy between the Labour Minister’s statement and the GSS data highlights the importance of rigorous fact-checking. Relying on official statistics rather than unsubstantiated political rhetoric is crucial for maintaining public trust. This article’s approach sets a strong example for holding elected officials accountable for the accuracy of their claims.
Fact-checking is a crucial tool for upholding the integrity of public discourse. This article’s meticulous comparison of the minister’s claim with the GSS statistics is a valuable contribution to keeping the public accurately informed. Maintaining factual accuracy should be a priority for all elected officials.
This is an interesting fact-check on the unemployment rate claims made by the Labour Minister. It’s important to rely on official data rather than unsubstantiated political rhetoric. The discrepancy between the minister’s statement and the GSS statistics raises questions about the accuracy of the information being provided to the public.
Fact-checking is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in government. I appreciate the diligence shown in verifying the Labour Minister’s claims against the actual GSS data. Maintaining factual integrity in public discourse is essential for a well-informed citizenry.
This fact-check raises important questions about the reliability of information being provided by government officials. It’s commendable that the article has taken the time to verify the Labour Minister’s claims against the official GSS data. Ensuring transparency and accountability in public policy discussions is essential for a healthy democracy.
The discrepancy between the Labour Minister’s statement and the GSS data is concerning. Reliable, impartial fact-checking is vital for maintaining trust in government and the democratic process. I hope this article encourages more scrutiny of public officials’ claims to ensure transparency and honesty.
This fact-check highlights the need for politicians to be held accountable for the claims they make. Citing official statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service is a commendable approach to countering potentially misleading statements. It’s important to keep the public informed with accurate, evidence-based information.