Labour Skills Mismatch in Urban Ghana

Abstract

The expected harmony in terms of forward and backward linkages between education, skills and labour market outcomes has been met with frictions and imperfections that raises questions about the market relevance of acquired education and skills relative to industry requirements. The phenomenon of skills mismatch thus remains crucial for developing economies like Ghana considering colossal investment in education and skill development. This study, therefore, attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis of the skills mismatch phenomenon in urban Ghana, with specific emphasis on the causal triggers, effects on post-hire outcomes and a critical examination of skills and personal portfolio required by industry players and firms in Ghana. It is structured into seven chapters with three distinct but interrelated empirical papers that examine the core issues of mismatch.