Ghana’s Youth Embrace Side Hustles Amid Scarce Job Opportunities

In today’s Ghana, more young people are turning to side hustles as formal jobs remain limited. From graduates to apprentices, youth across the country are increasingly relying on multiple income streams to survive rising living costs and prolonged unemployment.Across Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and university campuses, young Ghanaians are selling thrift clothes online, offering tutoring services, doing weekend photography, or running MoMo kiosks alongside school or part-time work. Others have tapped into digital opportunities such as content creation, graphic design, or social media management. Small-scale entrepreneurship, like baking, hairstyling, and delivery services, is also on the rise.This growing trend reflects not only economic necessity but also the creativity and resilience of Ghana’s youth. With formal-sector jobs scarce and youth unemployment hovering around 22–32%, side hustles have evolved from “extra income” to essential livelihood strategies. Many youths now treat these ventures as long-term opportunities, building skills, personal brands, and business networks that could sustain them even if formal employment remains out of reach.Experts highlight that while side hustles offer financial independence and flexibility, they also present challenges. Many lack social protections, stable income, or access to capital, making consistent earnings uncertain. Yet, young Ghanaians remain undeterred, using innovation and adaptability to navigate these obstacles.As one student-entrepreneur remarked, “The hustle is what keeps me going while I wait for a job.” Their stories illustrate a new reality: the youth of Ghana are not merely waiting for opportunities—they are creating them.