In Ghana today, a worrying trend has emerged, one that sees essential, skill-based jobs such as
being a carpenter, mason, hairdresser, makeup artist, farmer, and a cook being regarded as
“third-class” professions. These trades, once respected and seen as vital to the fabric of our
society, are now looked down upon, often considered the last resort for those who could not
“make it” in formal education. This shift in perception is not only harmful to the individuals
pursuing these professions but also detrimental to our national development.

In the past, the wealth and status of a Ghanaian were often tied to the size of their farmland.
Farming, in particular, was a source of pride and respect. Today, that pride has faded. Farmland
ownership is no longer held in the high esteem it once was, as our society has embraced the
notion that white-collar jobs are the ultimate measure of success. This shift has led to a dangerous kind of discrimination, where professions like carpentry, masonry, and farming are seen as undesirable, pushing many away from these trades and toward a future of
underemployment or even crime.

This stigma surrounding vocational professions is costing us dearly. As more young people turn
away from farming, the result is an escalating food crisis. Prices for basic foodstuffs are rising,
and the agricultural sector, which was once the backbone of our economy, is struggling to thrive.
In carpentry, masonry, and other skilled trades, we are seeing similar patterns. The demand for
these services remains high, but the supply of skilled workers is shrinking because the younger
generation has been led to believe these jobs are beneath them.
What many fail to realize is that these professions are not only essential to the functioning of
society, but they are also incredibly lucrative. Take farming, for example, while the youth may
see it as a “low-status” job, the farmers who cultivate our crops are essential to our survival and
can generate significant wealth through the sale of their produce. Similarly, skilled trades like
carpentry and masonry offer substantial financial rewards. These are professions that require
mastery and expertise, and those who excel in them can command high fees. Yet, the average
Ghanaian would rather remain unemployed or even resort to crime than be seen as a mason or
a carpenter.
This mindset must change. The skill-based professions that are often looked down upon are, in
fact, more financially rewarding than many white-collar jobs. A skilled mason or carpenter can
often earn more than someone in an entry-level office job, yet societal pressures and the
prevailing narrative around “prestigious” careers keep these facts hidden. This creates a
situation where the very jobs that can sustain families and uplift communities are disregarded,
while unemployment and crime rates continue to rise.
At SkillKraft Development Foundation, we are working to combat these harmful stereotypes. We
are committed to raising awareness about the importance of vocational training and skilled
labor, emphasizing that these professions are not only vital to Ghana’s economy but can also
offer fulfilling and prosperous careers. Our partnership with the Ghana National Council of
Private Schools in implementing the Talent-Based Curriculum is just one of the ways we aim to
ignite an interest in these essential jobs, beginning with the next generation.
It’s time for Ghanaians to reevaluate the way we think about work. Every profession plays a role
in building a thriving society, and the jobs we so easily dismiss today may very well be the key to
securing a prosperous future for us all. Let us reclaim the pride in these skill-based professions
and open the door to endless opportunities for those who pursue them.
Keren Akua Boatemaa Boateng
Director, SkillKraft Development Foundation.