You might hear your friend say, “Chale, I get gig oo!” These days, it’s a pretty common phrase in Ghana. Unemployment rates climbed to 14.7% in early 2023 and finding a stable, long-term job can feel out of reach for many young people. As a result, lots of people are finding themselves hustling just to get by. But now, the gig economy has emerged as a new source of opportunity.
You might wonder where from this term gig? This term reportedly started in the music world, where musicians would book short performances like one-off shows that helped them make some quick cash. Today, the gig economy has changed into a wide world of freelance work, where people take on short-term jobs through digital platforms to earn money. It could be driving for Uber, delivering food with Jumia, or working on freelance projects through Upwork, gig work is all about flexibility.
In Ghana, over 500,000 young people graduate from university each year, and with the job market as tight as ever, this flexible work setup has become a lifesaver for many young professionals. These gig jobs give you independence and fast money, but it mostly often lacks the stability that traditional jobs offer. There’s no steady paycheck, no health insurance, and no guaranteed job security. It’s fast-paced and unpredictable, and as more young Ghanaians turn to gig work, the question remains: is this a long-term solution or just a quick fix for a bigger problem in the economy?
Opportunities in the Gig Economy
The interesting thing is that there’s a lot of good in the gig economy if you know how to leverage it. For young professionals, the flexibility it offers is unbeatable. You set your hours, juggle multiple gigs, and take control of your income. Platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Upwork give you the chance to earn without being tied to the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job
And for those with specialized skills, like graphic design or content creation, the internet opens up global markets, suddenly, you’re not just working for local clients but tapping into international opportunities
The gig economy also offers a way out of unemployment for many young Ghanaians. It allows you to stay active, build your portfolio, and make a living even in a tough job market. For those who are entrepreneurial-minded, it’s an exciting opportunity to diversify income streams and gain experience across different fields
The Not-So-Glamorous Side
But the flip side of the gig economy can be rough. Income can be inconsistent—one week you’re flush with cash, and the next, you’re barely making ends meet. That lack of stability can create a lot of stress. And let’s not forget the absence of benefits. Gig workers in Ghana, just like those globally, often have no access to health insurance, pensions, or paid leave as indicated earlier. You fall sick, and suddenly you’re not just dealing with medical bills, you’re also missing out on income.
There’s also the issue of career growth. Gig work tends to be short-term and task-focused, which means you don’t always have the chance to advance or develop new skills. Many workers find themselves stuck doing the same type of low-paying work, with little room for growth.
And in sectors like ride-hailing or delivery, competition is high, and in busy cities like our own Accra, traffic can cause massive delays which can drive down wages and increase pressure to work longer hours.
Making Gig Work, Work for You
That being said, how do you make the gig economy work in your favor? It’s all about being strategic. Diversify your skills so that you’re not limited to just one type of gig. Whether it is learning new digital tools or building a portfolio that makes you stand out, the more versatile you are, the more opportunities you can tap into.
And don’t overlook the importance of financial planning. Since gig work can be unpredictable, saving during the good weeks can help you weather the slow ones.
Another smart move is to think about how gig work can be a stepping stone to something bigger. Use the experience you gain to build your network, learn new skills, and eventually move into more stable or higher-paying opportunities. While the gig economy might not offer a direct path to a long-term career, it can give you the tools and connections to create one for yourself
Embrace the Gig, But Plan Ahead
At the end of the day, the gig economy in Ghana is full of potential. While gig work can be a great short-term solution, it’s important to approach it with an eye on the future. Whether you’re using it to gain experience, save money, or build connections, make sure you’re always thinking about how it fits into your long-term goals
The gig economy isn’t going anywhere, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent hustle. With the right mindset, strategy, you can make gig work a powerful tool for building the future you want
