Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has warned that unemployment and the rising cost of living in Ghana could develop into serious national security threats if government fails to create meaningful economic opportunities for citizens.
His comments follow the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Corrections Policy
Kpebu believes that economic recovery should not be measured solely through improved macroeconomic indicators but by whether ordinary Ghanaians can secure jobs, earn sustainable incomes and afford basic necessities.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points programme on Saturday, November 14, Kpebu argued that the connection between unemployment, financial hardship and public safety requires urgent attention.
“When you break everything down, it boils down to cost of living. Cost of living is a huge problem. Everything must translate into better standards of living and cost of living. It is a huge crisis,” he said.
He cautioned that prolonged economic hardship could create dangerous social conditions if large numbers of people remain without employment or reliable sources of income.
“If we don’t solve that problem, we are not safe; one day, an unemployed person can pull you out of your car. This is a national security threat,” he added.
His warning places renewed attention on the social consequences of unemployment, particularly among young people who face difficulties securing stable jobs and building financially independent lives.
Kpebu questions the human impact of economic recovery
Ghana has recorded improvements in several economic indicators, but Kpebu’s comments highlight the difference between national economic performance and the everyday experiences of households.
Lower inflation, improved currency stability and stronger economic growth can create favourable conditions for businesses and investors.
However, these developments do not automatically guarantee employment, higher wages or affordable living conditions for everyone. Editorial Standards
For households struggling with food prices, rent, transportation, utility bills and other essential expenses, the benefits of economic recovery may take longer to become noticeable.
Kpebu’s argument is that the government must ensure that economic progress translates into tangible improvements in living standards.
Without sufficient employment opportunities and income growth, financial frustration could deepen social inequalities and undermine public confidence in institutions.
Government targets unemployment below 8% by 2030
The 2027 Budget identifies employment creation as a central measure of the government’s proposed economic transformation programme.
Presenting the budget to Parliament, Dr Ato Forson announced that Ghana is targeting real gross domestic product growth of approximately 8 per cent and an unemployment rate below 8 per cent by 2030. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The government also intends to establish a credible pathway towards achieving an investment-grade sovereign credit rating.
Dr Forson explained that the country’s economic progress would be assessed not only by growth figures but also by the jobs and income generated.
Under the New Economy programme, government plans to concentrate investment on sectors expected to expand production, strengthen local industries and create employment opportunities.
These include commercial agriculture, energy, critical minerals and value addition, textiles and garments, tourism, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The Finance Minister also identified macroeconomic stability and affordable financing as important foundations for sustainable economic growth.
The government intends to maintain a positive primary balance of at least 0.5 per cent of GDP from 2027, keep public debt consistent with a target of 45 per cent of GDP and preserve single-digit inflation.
However, meeting the employment target will require more than economic projections. It will depend on effective implementation, private-sector investment, business expansion and the availability of decent work across the country.
Insightghana survey highlights demand for jobs and lower living costs
Kpebu’s concerns also reflect findings from a pre-budget survey conducted by KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reported by Citi Newsroom on November 11, 2026.
According to the survey, approximately 71 per cent of respondents identified job creation and youth employment as Ghana’s leading national priority ahead of the 2027 Budget.
The cost of living ranked second, with 54 per cent of respondents identifying it as a major concern. Electricity supply and illegal mining also featured among the issues citizens wanted government to address. Privacy Policy & Terms
The findings suggest that Ghanaians expect economic stability to produce practical benefits, particularly more employment opportunities and relief from household financial pressures.
The survey also highlighted the importance of business growth and competitiveness. Access to finance, reliable electricity and predictable tax policies were among the issues businesses wanted government to address.
These concerns are significant because private businesses remain an important source of employment.
When companies struggle with high operating costs, limited access to credit or unreliable infrastructure, their ability to expand and recruit additional workers can be restricted.
GH¢30 billion New Economy allocation faces expectations
The 2027 Budget provides GH¢30 billion for the first year of the government’s New Economy programme, which is intended to support economic transformation and job creation.
According to reports analysis of the budget, total expenditure is projected at GH¢389.2 billion, while the government has also announced plans to avoid introducing new taxes in 2027.
The success of the New Economy initiative will depend on how effectively its resources are deployed and whether funded projects generate sustainable economic activity.
For unemployed graduates, skilled workers, young entrepreneurs and people seeking their first jobs, the most important measure will be whether these investments create accessible opportunities rather than remain announcements in the budget.
Government will also need to strengthen technical and vocational training, support small and medium-sized enterprises and improve access to affordable financing for businesses capable of employing more people.
Employment remains central to national security
Kpebu’s warning adds a social and security dimension to the debate surrounding the 2027 Budget.
Although unemployment does not automatically lead to criminal behaviour, prolonged joblessness, poverty and economic exclusion can increase vulnerability to exploitation, frustration and social instability. Newscard
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated policies that combine economic growth with employment opportunities, skills development, social protection and improved access to essential services.
The government’s ambition to reduce unemployment below 8 per cent by 2030 provides a measurable target.
However, the real test will be whether the policies and investments introduced under the New Economy programme deliver lasting improvements for households and communities.
For Kpebu, the message is clear: Ghana’s economic recovery must improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Without meaningful jobs, better incomes and relief from the cost of living, the country’s development gains may not translate into the broader social stability that Ghanaians expect.