Ghana to regulate labour export through New ‘Work Abroad’

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, announced new steps for the Work Abroad Initiative. The government plans to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with partner countries.

This initiative works with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Its goal is to create a legal and sustainable framework for exporting Ghanaian labor.

During an interview on The Probe with Carlos, Mr. Opare Addo explained the initiative's purpose. It aims to regulate labor migration for the benefit of migrants and Ghana.

He noted that brain drain occurs because migration isn't regularized. The government invests in young people but gains little when they migrate without structure. He asked, “If they are going to go, why not make it sustainable?”

Mr. Opare Addo stressed protecting vulnerable groups, especially young women. Many face exploitation due to irregular migration channels.

“A lot of our sisters are taken advantage of during migration,” he said. He emphasized that if people migrate, it should be done legally under government oversight.

He compared Ghana’s situation to countries like the Philippines and Cuba. These nations have structured labor export systems that benefit their economies and citizens.

“There are Filipinos everywhere; they export labor,” he stated. “Cuban doctors are also globally present.” Meanwhile, many Ghanaian nurses remain unemployed at home despite Europe needing them.

He pointed out that unregulated migration often leaves Ghanaians stranded or exploited abroad. Government intervention through formal agreements could help prevent these issues.

“Middlemen exploit them because there’s no structure,” he explained. Regularizing this process through relevant ministries would be beneficial for all involved.

The Minister highlighted strong public interest in the program. He assured citizens that the government is committed to tracking Ghanaians working abroad.

“Everyone wants to be part of it,” he said about signing MoUs with foreign organizations. Governments should know where their citizens are going when they leave the country.

He mentioned receiving distress calls from Ghanaians abroad facing abuse or deception.

Recently, he welcomed returnees back to Ghana alongside the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This initiative aims to establish a proper process for labor export like other countries do.