The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has expressed strong optimism about the government’s newly launched Work Abroad Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative for Ghanaian youth seeking employment opportunities beyond the country’s borders.
Speaking at the official launch of the programme, he highlighted its potential to position Ghana as a key source of skilled and ethical labour for the global market.
“I stand before you today filled with immense optimism and excitement as we officially launch the Work Abroad Programme, a groundbreaking initiative that holds the potential to transform the lives of Ghanaian youth and strategically position our nation as a hub for skilled and ethical labour export.
“Ghanaian professionals, artisans, and skilled workers [will have the opportunity] to showcase their expertise on the global stage while ensuring their rights and welfare remain protected,” he stated.
The Work Abroad Programme is a collaborative effort involving the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, the Ghanaian-European Centre, and European labour institutions. It aims to facilitate legal and structured migration for Ghanaian workers, providing them with access to global job markets while safeguarding their welfare.
Basintale emphasized the importance of legal migration, discouraging young people from embarking on perilous journeys in search of work opportunities.
“The future of labour mobility lies in legal and organised migration. We cannot allow our young people to take life-threatening risks through irregular routes. This programme offers a safe, well-regulated alternative.”
Beyond employment, the initiative includes a reintegration and community impact programme designed to ensure that returning workers can contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
“The YEA is instituting a comprehensive reintegration and community impact programme that will ensure that when our workers go, they shall return home, and when they return home, we shall tap into their skills, experiences, and financial resources to reinvest in Ghana’s development.”
He assured that the Work Abroad Programme will not only provide a structured pathway for Ghanaian workers but also protect their interests while they work in foreign markets.
“The Work Abroad Programme provides a lawful pathway for Ghanaians to access global job markets. We will ensure that every worker who participates is protected and fully benefits from the opportunity.”
The initiative marks a significant step in addressing unemployment while ensuring that skilled Ghanaian labour is recognized and valued on the international stage.
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