“To Fix Unemployment, Stealing in the Public and Private Sectors Must First Be Addressed” — Martin Kpebu Urges Action Against Corruption

Renowned lawyer and governance advocate Martin Kpebu has emphasized that tackling Ghana’s unemployment crisis requires first confronting corruption and malpractice across both public and private sectors. 

His comments, reported by TV3 Ghana, come amid growing concern over rising joblessness and economic frustration among Ghanaians.

Speaking in a recent interview, Kpebu argued that unemployment cannot be effectively addressed without rooting out the theft and mismanagement that undermine economic growth. 

“You cannot talk about fixing unemployment without addressing the issues of stealing and mismanagement in our institutions. Corruption undermines the very foundations of economic growth,” he stated.

According to Kpebu, misappropriation of resources meant for job creation directly stifles employment opportunities and creates a stagnant labor market. 

He also highlighted that unethical practices, such as bribery and nepotism, extend beyond government institutions into private enterprises, disproportionately harming young graduates who struggle to find fair opportunities.

“When meritocracy is compromised by corrupt practices, it is the youth who suffer the most. Without a fair system, qualified individuals are kept out of the job market,” he lamented.

To address these challenges, Kpebu proposed a multifaceted strategy focused on systemic reforms. He called on the government to enforce strict anti-corruption policies, ensure accountability for offenders, and cultivate an environment where integrity is valued and wrongdoing is punished.

Beyond anti-corruption measures, Kpebu urged investment in skills training and vocational programs to equip young people with practical expertise, enabling them to compete in a dynamic job market and fill gaps in critical sectors. 

“We need to invest in our most valuable asset—our people. By empowering them with skills, we can create a more dynamic and responsive workforce,” he explained.

Kpebu’s intervention underscores the broader consequences of unemployment, including rising crime, social unrest, and declining public morale. 

He stressed that addressing corruption while fostering job creation is essential not only for economic recovery but also for social stability.

The lawyer’s call for action has sparked discussions among civil society organizations, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders on ways to combat unemployment and corruption simultaneously. 

His perspective highlights the intertwined nature of governance and economic opportunity in Ghana, emphasizing that sustainable growth depends on both transparency and accountability.