The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has described the growing global shortage of skilled workers as a major opportunity for Ghanaian youth to access decent employment abroad through safe, legal and regulated labour migration.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister said the initiative would equip young Ghanaians with the technical skills, language proficiency and professional competencies required to compete successfully in the international labour market while contributing to national development.
Launched under the theme “Skills Beyond Borders: Resetting Ghana Through Global Labour Mobility,” the programme forms part of government’s efforts to address youth unemployment by creating pathways for Ghanaians to access overseas employment opportunities under structured labour agreements.
Mr. Opare Addo said demographic changes in many developed countries, including ageing populations and declining birth rates, have created an increasing demand for skilled workers across sectors such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality and information technology.
He noted that Ghana’s youthful population presents a strategic advantage, stressing that with the right skills and proper regulation, the country can become a reliable source of skilled labour while benefiting from remittances, technology transfer and international work experience.
The Minister emphasised that the programme is not intended to encourage irregular migration but rather to provide safe, dignified and legal employment opportunities that protect the rights and welfare of Ghanaian workers abroad.
He said participants would undergo skills development, certification, language training and orientation programmes to ensure they meet international standards and are adequately prepared for employment in destination countries.
Mr. Opare Addo reiterated government’s commitment to implementing policies that empower young people with employable skills while expanding opportunities for decent work both within Ghana and internationally.
He expressed optimism that the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme would strengthen the country’s human capital development agenda and position Ghanaian youth to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global labour market.
