Learning Brief 2: Knowledge Attitudes and Practices of Youth and Construction Sector Stakeholders in Ghana

Learning Brief 2: Knowledge Attitudes and Practices of Youth and Construction Sector Stakeholders in Ghana
Construction is the back-bone of Ghana’s economy and shapes the outlook of cities, towns, and villages. It is estimated that the construction industry in Ghana contributes approximately USD 500 – 600 million annually to GDP (COTVET, 2010a). In 2012, the sector attained a growth of 11%, and its contribution to GDP was 8.9% (ISSER, 2013). Construction activity is relatively labor-intensive and can generate employment and has the potential to alleviate poverty. Although the construction industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, growth in the sector has not been able to keep up with the number of unemployed youth. The sector employs about 2.8% (or 294,487) of the working population with the vast majority (288,597) in the informal construction sector. It is, therefore, essential to examine stakeholders’ actions that may have triggered the sector’s inability to engage youth. It is especially critical when engaging young women, as female youth currently make up only 2.8% of the construction sector’s workforce (ages 15 and up).

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