The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged young people and job seekers to shift their focus from waiting on government employment and instead embrace entrepreneurship as a sustainable path to economic independence.

According to the association, the growing number of unemployed youth across the country highlights the need for a mindset change, where individuals take initiative to create opportunities for themselves and others.

Vice President of the GUTA, Joseph Paddy, emphasised that while government efforts to create jobs are important, they are often limited and cannot meet the rising demand for employment.

Speaking at Channel One TV on Monday, April 27, 2026, he noted that the private sector remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

He said “Don’t wait for the government to employ you. Employ yourself,” he stated, adding that many roles in the modern economy are created by private initiative rather than government recruitment.

“The private sector is the engine of growth. When you are a private sector person, you can do everything. You can have more than one job.”

He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to explore sectors such as agriculture, trade, technology, and small-scale manufacturing, where opportunities continue to expand.

Paddy also called on financial institutions to provide more accessible funding options and support systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Access to capital, they stressed, remains one of the biggest challenges facing young entrepreneurs.

In addition, he appealed to the government to strengthen policies that support local businesses, reduce excessive taxation, and create a more enabling environment for startups to thrive.

The message from GUTA comes at a time when many graduates are entering the job market with limited openings in the public sector. The association believes that fostering a culture of entrepreneurship will not only reduce unemployment but also stimulate innovation and economic resilience across the country.

Ultimately, GUTA’s call serves as a reminder that while government support is valuable, individual initiative and creativity are crucial in building a more self-reliant and prosperous society.