The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Steering and Technical Committees to oversee the implementation of the Work Abroad Programme.
The event, held on Thursday, brought together representatives from key state institutions and international organizations serving on the committees.
In her welcome remarks, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Gloria Bortele Noi, expressed appreciation to participants for their commitment to the initiative.
YEA Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale outlined the programme’s goal of creating international job opportunities for skilled Ghanaian youth, clarifying that it is often misunderstood by the public. He emphasized the importance of a well-trained workforce ready for global employment.
Labour Minister Dr. Rashid Pelpuo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through strategic international partnerships. He explained that the programme would facilitate temporary, seasonal, contract, and permanent jobs for Ghanaian youth in partner countries.
Dr. Pelpuo highlighted key objectives, including promoting safe migration, enhancing employability, addressing unemployment, and ensuring the sustainable reintegration of returnees. He described the initiative as a “win-win” for the youth, the economy, and international labour markets.
As part of a major policy shift, the minister announced the cancellation of labour migration for domestic workers to protect vulnerable groups from exploitation and align Ghana’s labour migration strategy with international standards.
He also outlined the roles of the newly formed committees, emphasizing YEA’s function as the programme’s secretariat.
Dr. Pelpuo officially inaugurated the committees, thanking members for their dedication and wishing them success.
The Work Abroad Programme is a key government intervention aimed at addressing youth unemployment through global partnerships and job creation.
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