Employers’ Perception About Employability of Graduates of The Free Senior High School Programme in Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates employer perceptions of the employability of graduates from Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program, which was introduced in 2017 to promote access, equity, and inclusion in secondary education. Although enrollment has increased, persistent concerns remain regarding teaching quality and graduate preparedness. Drawing on the Skills Mismatch Theory, the research assesses whether Free SHS graduates possess the skills and attitudes that employers require. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 30 employers across six regions in Ghana, and data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that while graduates demonstrate basic skills such as literacy, numeracy, and information and communication technology (ICT), they lack essential employability attributes, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and discipline. Employers reported a significant skills gap and insufficient practical experience, underscoring a misalignment between educational outcomes and labor market demands. Nevertheless, employers expressed willingness to hire graduates if provided with structured internships, mentorship, and vocational training. The study concludes that the existing skills mismatch impedes employability and calls for urgent curriculum reforms, including the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the development of soft skills, and enhanced collaboration between industry and educational institutions. This research contributes to the discourse on aligning education with employment in developing economies and offers policy recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s Free SHS program. It advocates a transition from theory-based to experiential, competency-based, and job-oriented learning to improve employability and support national productivity.