In a bold move to tackle domestic unemployment while tapping into global labor demand, the government has launched a series of inter-ministerial committees to spearhead its ambitious Work Abroad Programme.
To enhance employment prospects for Ghanaian youth and position the nation as a competitive player on the global labour market, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment (MLJE), in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), inaugurated two crucial bodies for implementing the government‘s flagship Work Abroad Programme, the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee and the Technical Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, brought together representatives from state agencies, development partners, and international labour organisations. The initiative is a central pillar in the government’s broader agenda to combat youth unemployment through cross-border employment partnerships.
Acting Chief Director of MLJE, Madam Gloria Bortele Noi, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their commitment and highlighted the significance of collaborative governance in ensuring the success of the programme.
Malik Basintale, CEO of the YEA, provided insight into the design and structure of the programme, clarifying public misconceptions and underlining its focus on skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities abroad. “This initiative is not about exporting labour indiscriminately—it’s about creating structured, dignified, and well-remunerated job opportunities for Ghanaians on the global stage,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, outlined the programme’s strategic objectives. These include enhancing employability, fostering safe and legal migration, supporting national economic development, and ensuring the reintegration of returnees into the domestic workforce. He noted that the programme is structured to accommodate temporary, seasonal, contract, and permanent employment placements in partner countries.
“This is a win-win-win initiative,” Dr. Pelpuo stated. “It benefits our youth by providing global employment opportunities, supports Ghana‘s economy through remittances and skill transfers, and serves the labor needs of our international partners.”
In a significant policy shift, Dr. Pelpuo also announced the formal termination of the migration of domestic workers. The decision, he explained, is aimed at safeguarding vulnerable groups from exploitation and aligning Ghana’s labour migration policies with international ethical standards. “We are pivoting toward value-added human capital exports—skilled labour that reflects the growing competence of our youth,” he said.
The newly inaugurated committees will serve as the operational backbone of the Work Abroad Programme. While the Steering Committee will provide high-level policy guidance, the Technical Committee will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the programme. The Youth Employment Agency will serve as the secretariat and lead coordinating body.
The event concluded with an official commissioning of committee members, with the Minister thanking them for their willingness to serve and charging them with the responsibility of ensuring the programme’s success.
With the Work Abroad Programme, Ghana is taking bold steps to address domestic unemployment while enhancing its footprint in the international labour mobility landscape.
Last Updated on April 6, 2025 by samboad
