Youth unemployment and economic migration in Tamale North sub-metropolitan area (Ghana)

Abstract

Youth economic migration in resource-rich contexts remains an ongoing phenomenon that deprives many young people of sustainable livelihoods and undermines their dignity, exposing them to inhumane conditions. This study examined the relationship between unemployment, natural resources, and youth economic migration in Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive research design and employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select respondents. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The theoretical framework highlighted the economic challenges that limit young people's ability to thrive and emphasised the need to enhance their capacity to become proactive agents of change within their communities. The study advocates for a holistic, integrative, transformative, and trauma-informed education system to strengthen young people's abilities to improve their livelihoods and respond to economic challenges. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to academic knowledge and inform inclusive policies among stakeholders in the education and employment sectors. Such policies can support youth empowerment, improve employment opportunities, and promote investment in young people as agents of change and contributors to national development.