King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and Patron of the Work Abroad Program, has encouraged Ghanaian youth to seize the opportunities presented by the newly launched Work Abroad Program to gain international experience and contribute to national development.
The Ga Mantse’s inspiring message was delivered by Nii Ahene Nunuo III, Paramount Chief of Abola Traditional Area, at the launch event held at the La Palm Royal Beach in Accra on March 18, 2025.
“This Work Abroad Program is not just about employment; it is about transformation. It is about opening doors to international experience, cultural awareness, and a new way of thinking,” the Ga Mantse stated.
"When you step into another country to work, you do not just gain financial independence, you gain knowledge, discipline, and the broader perspective of life.”
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II emphasized that the skills and insights gained from working abroad should not remain abroad but should be brought back home to fuel Ghana’s progress.
“To the youth of Ghana, I say, go forth, learn, work, and return home with a wealth of experience and prosperity. Remember wherever you go, Ghana is your home and your foundation. Invest in your families and start sustainable businesses,” he urged.
The Ga Mantse also extended gratitude to the World Health Agency for highlighting the importance of the initiative and to the Honorable Minister of Labor, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, for his instrumental role in securing support for the program.
“Your dedication to the development of our youth and nation is commendable, and I assure you of my unwavering support,” the Ga Mantse assured.
The Work Abroad Program is expected to create dignified employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth in European countries, starting with Romania, and aims to foster skills transfer, economic growth, and stronger international ties.
On his part, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, highlighted the government’s commitment to providing Ghanaian youth with sustainable and dignified employment opportunities beyond the country’s borders.
He described the initiative as a “bold step toward establishing safer, legal pathways for employment abroad,” reinforcing the nation’s dedication to ethical and responsible labour mobility.
"This initiative reaffirms our unwavering commitment to empowering Ghana's youth by expanding access to global opportunities,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
“By fostering a structured and sustainable framework for labour migration, the government will not only address youth unemployment but also position our young people as key drivers of national development and global competitiveness.”
The Ghana Work Abroad Programme will begin with 200 candidates registering on the YEA Job Centre portal.
These candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, including eligibility screening, language tests, and panel interviews to assess their readiness and adaptability for international work.
Successful candidates will receive certified pre-departure training in Ghana, followed by an intensive two-month training programme in Romania.
Participants will be allowed to work up to six hours daily during the training period, earning income while enhancing their skills. Upon completion, they will be placed in jobs across selected EU countries with a two-year renewable work permit, valid for up to 10 years.
Dr. Pelpuo underscored the broader economic impact of the programme, emphasizing that it will not only reduce unemployment but also increase remittances—a key contributor to Ghana’s GDP.
“By curbing irregular migration and ensuring fair and transparent recruitment practices, this programme will eliminate exploitation and create a secure and structured migration pathway for our youth,” he said.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of migrant workers through initiatives such as the Fair III Project, which is designed to empower migrant workers, safeguard their rights, and enhance their access to vital information throughout the recruitment process.
“The theme for today’s launch, ‘Opportunities Beyond Borders,’ perfectly reflects the essence of this initiative,” Dr. Pelpuo added. “As our nation continues to produce a growing number of graduates each year, the government recognises the need for sustainable employment solutions.”
The programme includes an open registration process via a dedicated online portal, which will be widely publicised.
Eligible candidates will be selected based on clear criteria, provided with the necessary training, and deployed under well-monitored contractual agreements.
Government oversight will ensure that their rights and welfare are protected throughout their employment until their successful reintegration upon return.
Dr. Pelpuo stressed that the Work Abroad Programme is a strategic step toward building a transparent and accountable labour migration system.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency, is committed to managing a comprehensive database of labour migration activities to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to commit to the success of the initiative.
“Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will empower our citizens, strengthen international partnerships, and strategically position Ghana as a key player in the global labour migration space,” Dr. Pelpuo declared.
Taking his turn, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, highlighted that the programme is a top priority of President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana, aimed at positioning Ghana as a hub for skilled and ethical labour export.
He explained that the initiative would unlock international employment opportunities while safeguarding the rights and welfare of Ghanaian workers abroad.
“The Work Abroad Programme is more than a migration opportunity; it is a strategic effort to showcase Ghanaian excellence on the global stage. We are not just exporting labour—we are exporting skilled, disciplined, and ethical Ghanaian professionals and artisans who will contribute significantly to the global economy,” Mr. Basintale stated.
Mr. Basintale acknowledged concerns about potential brain drain, assuring that YEA has developed comprehensive reintegration and community impact programmes to ensure that returning workers contribute to national development.
“Through entrepreneurship support, skills transfer initiatives, and community development projects, our returnees will become key drivers of economic growth,” he explained.
The YEA boss also commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Labour, Foreign Affairs, and Special Development Initiatives, emphasizing that their cooperation will be instrumental in the successful implementation of the programme.
He announced that President Mahama would soon launch an Inter-Ministerial Working Committee to oversee the smooth administration and sustainability of the initiative.
“We have developed a robust support system, including legal aid, psychosocial support, and reintegration services, to ensure that no Ghanaian worker is left vulnerable,” Mr. Basintale added.
He disclosed that the programme’s first structured partnership will be with Romania, with plans to expand to other countries in the near future.
“Our vision is clear: we aspire to see Ghanaian artisans, healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, and tradespeople become the benchmark of excellence across international labour markets,” he said.
Mr. Basintale called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to support the initiative, describing it as a “transformative programme” that has the potential to generate significant remittances and boost Ghana’s economic development.
“Together, we can make the Work Abroad Programme a flagship of national pride and a beacon of global recognition,” he concluded.
Chairman of Work Abroad Programme, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong was confident that Ghanaian youths would benefit from the initiative.
He noted that Ghana is a country blessed with resources.
"Boast of gold, cocoa, oil and fertile lands yet we continue to overlook the greatest resources, our human capital"
"The youth people the very backbone of out future, seem underutilised, unappreciated, and in many cases are left with no hope, The numbers speak for themselves."
"Ghana's youth population makes up a significant number of the total population yet 14.7% of the remaining reain unemployed"
"If Government absorbs about 5% and private sector tales 2%, what happens to the rest"
"What happens to those without strong networks, and if our graduates are finding it difficult to find opportunities, then what happens to the illiterates"
Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghana-European Centre, described the program as a significant step toward enhancing Ghana’s economic growth and strengthening international partnerships.
“The Work Abroad Program is not just about facilitating mobility. It’s about creating dignified employment opportunities that will contribute to Ghana's economic growth while strengthening international partnerships,” Berding stated.
The first phase of the program will focus on deploying Ghanaian youth to EU countries, beginning with Romania.
Mr. Berding highlighted that this initiative aligns with global labor migration trends and positions Ghana as a source of skilled and competent labor for European industries actively seeking workers.
“Rather than losing talent, we are unlocking the potential of regular and circular migration,” Berding noted. “This initiative offers young, ambitious Ghanaians the chance to gain valuable experience abroad and bring back expertise, innovation, and global networks that will enrich Ghana’s economy.”
Mr. Berding stressed that the program is designed to create a cycle of skills enhancement and economic growth rather than a one-way journey.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that migration remains a choice, not a necessity, by equipping individuals with the right skills and support systems.
“Our focus remains on empowering individuals to make informed and confident decisions about their careers and migration journeys,” he added.
The Work Abroad Program reflects Ghana’s commitment to strategic collaboration and economic development, setting the stage for enhanced global partnerships and long-term national growth.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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