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The Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has officially launched the Ghana Work Abroad Program—an initiative designed to provide Ghanaian youth with structured and secure employment opportunities overseas.
Speaking at the launch event at La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra, Dr Pelpuo highlighted the program’s transformative potential.
“Every young person deserves a chance to build a better future, whether here in Ghana or abroad. This initiative provides a legal and safe pathway for our youth to gain skills, earn an income, and contribute to Ghana’s economy through remittances,” he stated.
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The Ghana Work Abroad Program will facilitate employment in various industries, including:
- Artisanship
- Hospitality
- Transportation (drivers and logistics)
- Agriculture
- Construction
Participants will go through a rigorous selection process, receive certified training in Romania, and be placed in well-regulated jobs overseas.
Dr Pelpuo assured that the government would maintain strict oversight to ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and legal protections for workers through bilateral agreements with host countries.
For many young Ghanaians, the programme represents a life-changing opportunity. Kwame Asare, a trained welder from Kumasi, shared his enthusiasm: “I’ve struggled to find steady work despite my skills. This program gives me a real chance to earn, save, and support my family.”
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), the main implementing body, will handle applicant registration and training. CEO of YEA, Mr Malik Basintale, emphasised that this programme is part of a broader effort to combat unemployment sustainably.
“We are not just sending people abroad to work; we are investing in their future and strengthening Ghana’s economic development,” he stated.
Beyond job creation, the initiative aims to tackle the issue of irregular migration by offering a safer alternative. Many young Ghanaians undertake dangerous journeys in search of work, often falling prey to human traffickers or exploitative labour conditions.
This programme provides a structured and legal alternative to risky migration.
With backing from international partners such as the European Union, GIZ, IOM, ICMPD, and the ILO, the initiative is well-positioned for success.
Additionally, inter-ministerial steering and technical committees have been established to oversee implementation and ensure policy coordination.
For Ghana’s youth, the Ghana Work Abroad Program represents more than just a job—it is a gateway to economic empowerment, skill development, and a brighter future on the global stage.
