Abstract
Abstract. Due to the private sector’s inability to absorb the growing number of unemployed youths particularly in developing countries, as expected from neoclassical policies, critics of the neoclassical theory – the ‘critical view’ – have advocated for direct job creation programmes such as the Government as Employer of Last Resort (ELR) as a solution to all forms of unemployment. This paper provides evidence on the ability of Government to tackle youth unemployment based on a study of Ghana’s National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) using features of the ELR proposal as an analytical tool.
Design/methodology/approach. A mixed-methods, case study approach.
Findings.Ghana’s NYEP has contributed to building some human capital; however, it does not meet all the criteria of an effective ELR scheme.
Research limitations/implications. Although, the study focuses solely on Ghana’s NYEP, lessons from the programme’s implementation challenges should serve as a guide for governments and policy makers.
Originality/value. This is the first independent empirical study on the NYEP and the first in Ghana and Africa based on the ELR framework.
Paper type. Original research paper.
Keywords: Labour Market, Youth Unemployment, Government as Employer of Last Resort (ELR), Ghana’s National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Developing Countries, Human Capital