The Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and GIZ Ghana, has officially launched the “Work Abroad Programme: Opportunities Beyond Borders”. This initiative aims to address Ghana’s unemployment crisis by providing employment opportunities for young Ghanaians in international job markets.
The event held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Accra, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, international recruiters, and key stakeholders dedicated to creating pathways for skilled Ghanaian youth seeking employment abroad.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ofori Sarpong, Chairman of the event, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the country’s unemployment challenges.
He praised the organizers for their dedication to launching an initiative that would empower Ghanaian youth and create sustainable employment avenues.
Delivering his keynote address, Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), underscored the importance of structured employment programs, stating that this initiative is a strategic intervention aimed at reducing youth unemployment through international labour mobility.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and all other stakeholders for their role in shaping this program.
According to Mr. Basintale, YEA is establishing partnerships with international organizations to facilitate ethical and structured job placements abroad, ensuring that Ghanaian youth receive the necessary support and protection while working overseas.
He urged all relevant agencies to rally behind this initiative and acknowledged Hon. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, for his leadership and guidance in driving this effort forward.
Stakeholder Addresses and Partner Commitments
A patron of the initiative, Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through skills development. He assured all stakeholders of his full support in ensuring that young Ghanaians benefit from this initiative. He also commended the Employment Minister for including traditional leadership in discussions surrounding job creation and international employment opportunities.
Mr. Andrews Berdeng, Head of Ghanaian-European Centre, representing the Ghanaian-European Centre, emphasized the program’s role in fostering economic growth. He stated that international employment was a crucial component of Ghana’s economic development strategy and that structured labour migration benefits both Ghanaian workers and host nations.
He stated that the Work Abroad Program was designed to enhance legal migration pathways while preventing exploitation.
He said by providing the necessary training, support, and resources, the program will ensure that Ghanaian workers integrate successfully into their host countries and contribute meaningfully to their economies.
Mr. Andrew Petru Marin, International Recruiter & Entrepreneur, shared insights into the role of international partnerships in bridging the employment gap for Ghanaian youth. He assured attendees that the recruitment process would be transparent, ethical, and structured, ensuring that selected candidates receive proper training before deployment.
Furthermore, he stressed that beyond job placements, the program would focus on workers’ welfare, covering essential needs such as accommodation, meals, and social integration. He reassured stakeholders of the program’s sustainability and long-term success.
Hon. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, reassured the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment solutions. He outlined the core objectives of the Work Abroad Program such as the initiative directly addresses youth unemployment by creating structured opportunities for international job placements.
He added that by ensuring that Ghanaian workers meet international employment standards, the program enhances Ghana’s participation in the global labor market.
He, however, said with proper regulatory frameworks, the initiative aims to eliminate human trafficking and labour exploitation.
“The program will contribute to Ghana’s economy by increasing remittances and fostering skills transfer. A digital registration system will streamline the application process, ensuring that qualified candidates can easily access employment opportunities,” he mentioned.
Dr. Pelpuo reiterated that the Ministry would ensure all candidates receive effective training before deployment, equipping them with both technical and soft skills to thrive in their respective fields. He also called on stakeholders, agencies to support and sustain the initiative for long-term economic impact.
Other dignitaries present to support include, Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency Hon. Grace Affo Toffey, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Mr. Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, spokesperson for Sheikh Osmannu Sharubutu – National Chief Imam. At a point, a short documentary was projected highlighting Career and Migration Fair 2024.
Credit: Emmanuel Appah
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