The youth constitute the majority of the population of Ghana and by extension Africa.
The Ghana National Youth policy defined youth as people in the age bracket of 15 -35 years. It has been recognised by labour experts that the youth constitute the economic active population and are also a critical resource that should be harnessed for economic growth and transformation. In view of that, successive governments have implemented a number of initiatives and interventions to create job opportunities for the youth.
Among the interventions implemented to help youth employment in Ghana were: National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Youth in Agric, National Youth Employment Programme, You Start Ghana Initiative, etc.
It is worth mentioning that despite the various initiatives meant to create jobs for the youth, youth unemployment is still a major problem confronting the country. A recent report released by the Ghana Statistical Services revealed that the percentage of youth population (15-35 years) not in education, employment or training (NEET) as of the second quarter of 2022 was 21.2 percent.
It is heartwarming to say that youth employment remains at the centre of rural and community banks.
Survey conducted by the Proven Trusted Solutions, led by Joseph Akossey, revealed that the youth constitute the majority of RCBs staff.
From the survey, we also found that the RCBs are driving youth employment through susu product.
Currently, there are 147 RCBs spread across the 16 regions of Ghana; however, the article will focus on selected few.
Amenfiman Rural Bank, which is currently a market leader in the rural banking industry is contributing remarkably to youth employment in Ghana. According to Mr. Evans Aikins, the Head of Finance and Operations, the bank recognised the fact that the youth have the potential to bring about positive change and make significant contribution to society. Therefore, they should be prioritised when it comes to job creation.
The bank currently has a total staff strength of 480 and out of the number, 320 are within the youth bracket (Age 35 and below). From 2016 to 2022, the bank engaged 157 National Service Personnel. So far, 107 of them have been retained. These young people have gotten the opportunity to grow their career and develop their talent. AMERB is currently the largest employer in the rural banking industry.
Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank, which is currently a dominant and resilient player in the rural banking industry, is also contributing in a positive way to youth employment. According to management, the youth are critical human resources because they are full of energy and innovative ideas to drive excellent performance.
The bank is, therefore, determined to create employment for the teeming youth so that they can be productive members of society.
AKRB currently has a total staff strength of 273 and out of this, 133 are in their youthful age.
Juaben Rural Bank in Ashanti Region is among the RCBs in Ghana which are driving youth employment, thereby helping the youth to harness their skills to ensure excellent performance and also reduce unemployment in the bank catchment area. The bank has a total staff of 260 and out of the number, 128 are within the youth bracket – representing 49.2 percent.
According to the CEO of the bank, Mr. Augustine Awere Damoah, the Board and Management will continue to prioritise youth employment going forward.
Ahafo Ano premier Rural Bank in Ashanti Region is also doing exceedingly well in the area of youth employment.
The bank currently has total staff strength of 177 and out this figure, 127 are youths. This implies that 71.7 percent of the total staff are youths. According to the CEO, Mr. Ernest Dankwa, the board and management will continue to demonstrate their commitment to youth employment to help reduce the rate of unemployment in the bank’s catchment areas.
Below is a table showing selected RCBs and their contribution to youth employment in Ghana.
| Name of RCB | Region | Total Staff | Youth | Youths as a percentage of total staff |
| Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank | Ashanti | 273 | 133 | 48.7% |
| Kaaseman Rural Bank | B. A | 219 | 119 | 54.3% |
| Amenfiman Rural Bank | Western | 486 | 320 | 66.7% |
| Juaben Rural Bank | Ashanti | 260 | 128 | 49.2% |
| Sekyedumase Rural Bank | Ashanti | 165 | 94 | 56.9% |
| Fiaseman Rural Bank | Western | 426 | 248 | 58.2% |
| Nyakrom Rural Bank | Central | 294 | 185 | 62.9% |
| Ahafo Ano Premier Rural Bank | Ashanti | 177 | 127 | 71.7% |
| Manya Krobo Rural Bank | Eastern | 223 | 97 | 43.5% |
From the forgoing, it can be concluded that rural and community banks in Ghana are poised to contribute significantly to youth employment in Ghana.
The government must, therefore, give the sector the needed attention and support to grow so that they can play a more significant role in their catchment areas and in Ghana’s sustainable transformation.
