Unemployment Duration and Its Covariates

Evidence From Selected Regions in Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID16910825
AuthorsEdmund Adinkra-Darko (0000-0001-7584-9808, University of Cape Coast, corresponding author), Ferdinand Ahiakpor (0000-0002-6779-7689, University of Cape Coast)
Year2024
Volume14
Issue4
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/21582440241287606
OpenAlexW4404704286
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited30

This study examines individual-specific covariates of unemployment duration, with evidence from four administrative regions of Ghana. It employs primary data and semi-parametric Cox regression and Cox proportional hazard models, underpinned by job search and human capital theories. This study is distinct from other unemployment-related studies in Ghana in that it highlights how individual characteristics affect their employability and unemployment spells. The study concludes that age, locality, social networks, alternative income sources, migration, and education are significant factors influencing unemployment duration in Ghana. Also, migration status and education are jointly associated with shorter unemployment duration. The study encourages young people to take up voluntary services and other forms of industry attachments to build labor market experience. Again, the government should develop and implement a policy on industrial attachment and internship programs for tertiary students. Individuals should build and effectively utilize their social networks. Individuals who receive financial support while unemployed should leverage such income to intensify their job search efforts and activities. Moreover, individuals should take advantage of the opportunities created in the educational sector to upgrade their educational levels. The study further encourages job seekers with higher education to migrate as part of their job search efforts and activities. The study sets the springboard for further studies to be conducted on employment duration in Ghana but using longitudinal data and national survey data

Demographic economics · Economic growth · Economics · Employability · Human capital · Labour economics · Political science · Social capital · Unemployment · Employment and Welfare Studies · Labor market dynamics and wage inequality · Migration and Labor Dynamics