Unlocking Opportunities: Germany and EU Join Forces to Boost Employment and Migration in Ghana

In a groundbreaking move, Germany and the European Union have united their efforts to tackle the challenges of jobs, migration, and development in Ghana. Recognizing the pressing need to address Ghana's high youth unemployment and underemployment rates, the German Cooperation in Ghana and the EU launched a joint action on May 12, 2023. Through this collaboration, they aim to empower Ghanaian youth, promote regular migration, engage the diaspora, and foster reintegration, and strengthened employment services on the national, regional, and local level. This ambitious project holds the key to transforming lives and unlocking the immense potential of the Ghanaian workforce.

The Perilous Journey:

Ghana's economic hardships have forced many young people to embark on perilous journeys in search of greener pastures in Europe. Often taking dangerous routes, these migrants face numerous obstacles and risks along the way. Unfortunately, irregular migration deprives them of access to decent employment opportunities in their host countries, as they are left with limited options, such as applying for asylum with minimal chances of success. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, Germany and the EU have set their sights on a development-oriented management of migration that can provide viable solutions for all stakeholders involved.

Closing the Gap:

One of the primary goals of this innovative partnership is to bridge existing information gaps and enhance the capacities of both state and non-state actors involved in migration and employment promotion. By providing counseling and information on labour market demands in Ghana, Germany, Europe, and the West African region, the initiative aims to empower Ghanaian youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their future. This access to valuable information will help guide their choices, ensuring that they have the best chances of success both in Ghana and abroad.

The Ghanaian-European Centre:

At the heart of this joint action lies the newly launched Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Development. Formerly known as the Ghanaian-German Centre, it will serve as the operational hub for this transformative project. The centre will provide of knowledge and expertise, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences between Ghanaian and European stakeholders. With a focus on professionally managed migration, the centre aims to unleash the potential of regular labour migration, presenting an opportunity for ambitious Ghanaian youth to gain valuable experiences abroad while contributing to the development of Ghana upon their return.

A Catalyst for Economic Development:

Speaking at the launch, German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Daniel Krull, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the potential of development-oriented migration as a catalyst for economic development. The German Government's new paradigm “migration as an opportunity” seeks to create a win-win situation, addressing the needs of European industries for skilled workers while empowering Ghanaian youth with valuable international experiences. As these young individuals return to Ghana, armed with newfound knowledge, they will play a crucial role in transferring skills and driving progress across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, ultimately benefiting the country as a whole. At the same time, it will remain at the core of German development cooperation to support partner countries like Ghana to manage labour migration policy in a beneficial way to the country.

Conclusion:

The partnership between Germany and the EU represents a significant milestone in addressing the pressing issues of jobs, migration, and development in Ghana. By harnessing the development potential of regular labour migration, bridging information gaps, and fostering collaboration between state and non-state stakeholders, this joint action holds the potential to reshape the lives of Ghanaian youth and fuel the country's economic growth. With the Ghanaian-European Centre at the helm, it is hoped that this ambitious endeavour will serve as a model for other nations, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.