Answer:
a. Three causes of Youth Unemployment in Ghana are:
1. Lack of Skills and Education: Many young people in Ghana lack the necessary skills and education required to secure employment. The education system in Ghana is not adequately preparing students for the job market, and this has resulted in a mismatch between the skills of job seekers and the requirements of employers.
2. Limited Job Opportunities: The Ghanaian economy is not creating enough jobs to absorb the growing number of young people entering the job market. The formal sector is small, and most jobs are in the informal sector, which is characterized by low wages, poor working conditions, and little job security.
3. Weak Economy: The Ghanaian economy is weak and vulnerable to external shocks. The country is heavily dependent on a few primary commodities, such as gold and cocoa, which are subject to fluctuations in global prices. The weak economy has resulted in a lack of investment and limited growth, which has further exacerbated the problem of youth unemployment.
b. Three reasons for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme are:
1. To Improve Access to Healthcare: The National Health Insurance Scheme was implemented to improve access to healthcare for all Ghanaians, regardless of their ability to pay. The scheme provides financial protection to individuals and families, ensuring that they can access healthcare services when needed.
2. To Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Prior to the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme, many Ghanaians had to pay for healthcare services out of their own pockets. This often resulted in financial hardship and prevented many people from accessing the care they needed. The scheme was implemented to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and ensure that healthcare services are affordable for all.
3. To Improve Health Outcomes: The National Health Insurance Scheme was implemented to improve health outcomes in Ghana. By providing financial protection and improving access to healthcare services, the scheme aims to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.
c. Four reasons why Ghana initiated the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) are:
1. High Inflation: In the 1980s, Ghana experienced high inflation rates, which eroded the value of the currency and made it difficult for businesses to plan and invest. The ERP was initiated to address this problem and stabilize the economy.
2. Balance of Payments Crisis: Ghana was experiencing a balance of payments crisis in the 1980s, which meant that the country was importing more than it was exporting. This led to a shortage of foreign exchange, which made it difficult for businesses to import essential goods and services. The ERP was initiated to address this problem and improve the balance of payments.
3. Structural Adjustment: The ERP was part of a broader structural adjustment program that aimed to reform the Ghanaian economy. The program included measures such as privatization, liberalization, and deregulation, which were intended to create a more market-oriented economy.
4. External Pressure: Ghana was under pressure from international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to implement economic reforms. The ERP was initiated in response to this pressure, as Ghana sought to secure financial assistance from these institutions.