The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment in Ghana convened a technical meeting with the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development (GEC) to solidify their collaborative efforts in fostering safe and structured labour migration. Presided over by the Minister of Labour, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the meeting served as a platform to assess ongoing projects, explore innovative strategies to bolster Ghana-EU cooperation, and chart a course for enhanced engagement in labour migration management, job creation, and the reintegration of returning migrants. The GEC, a collaborative venture supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), has emerged as a crucial partner in Ghana’s pursuit of effective migration governance.
Dr. Pelpuo expressed his gratitude for the GEC’s unwavering technical and financial support, highlighting the substantial progress achieved in key areas such as skills development, advisory services, and public awareness campaigns promoting legal migration pathways to Europe and beyond. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this momentum by fortifying bilateral labour agreements, establishing a dedicated Labour Migration Desk within the Ministry, and supporting a wider range of migration-focused activities, including job fairs and awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to streamline migration processes, provide comprehensive information to potential migrants, and connect qualified Ghanaians with suitable employment opportunities abroad.
The GEC team provided updates on ongoing projects, including the Global Skills Partnership spearheaded by GIZ, and an upcoming implementation agreement that will further define the scope of collaboration. These initiatives are designed to bridge the skills gap between Ghanaian workers and the demands of the international labour market, ensuring that migrants possess the necessary qualifications and training to secure gainful employment and contribute effectively to their host countries’ economies. The meeting also addressed the Ghana-Germany government-to-government labour mobility framework, a promising initiative anticipated to unlock numerous job placement opportunities for Ghanaians in Germany, fostering mutually beneficial economic exchange and strengthening bilateral ties.
The collaborative dialogue between the Ministry and the GEC underscored the shared commitment to ensuring that labor migration contributes positively to Ghana’s national development agenda. By establishing clear pathways for legal migration, empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to succeed in international labor markets, and supporting the reintegration of returning migrants, the partnership aims to maximize the benefits of migration for both individuals and the country as a whole. The establishment of a dedicated Labour Migration Desk within the Ministry will further enhance the government’s capacity to manage migration flows effectively and address the specific needs of migrants.
The open discussion that concluded the meeting allowed participants to exchange practical ideas and pose questions about the future trajectory of migration policy. This interactive session facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with labour migration, fostering a collaborative approach to policy development and implementation. The Ministry’s commitment to public awareness campaigns and job fairs will play a vital role in informing potential migrants about legal migration options and connecting them with prospective employers, promoting safe and informed migration choices.
Dr. Pelpuo reiterated Ghana’s overarching objective of leveraging labour migration as a driver of national development, emphasizing the creation of decent work opportunities for citizens through robust international partnerships. The collaboration with the GEC signifies a strategic approach to migration management, aligning with Ghana’s broader development goals and laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future for its citizens. By fostering safe, structured, and informed labour migration, the Ministry and its partners are striving to unlock the full potential of human capital and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
