Ghanaians seeking opportunities to work abroad could soon have more structured pathways to the United States, Qatar and South Korea as the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment expands its labour mobility partnerships with foreign countries.
Speaking as he reflected on his tenure as the former Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo said negotiations were at an advanced stage to establish new arrangements that would allow Ghanaian workers to access employment opportunities abroad through more structured and regulated channels.
He disclosed that Ghana had already signed agreements with Qatar and South Korea and was preparing to conclude two additional agreements with the United States.
“We are about to go to the United States to sign two agreements where we can carry Ghanaians to the United States in a more cordial, respectful manner,” Pelpuo said.
He said the planned arrangements were intended to make labour migration safer and more dignified for Ghanaians seeking employment opportunities outside the country.
“The biggest place they all want to go is the United States. That is going to be done in a manner that is going to be much more dignified. You won’t have to struggle to go to the United States to work,” he said.
Labour migration formed a major part of the Ministry’s agenda during his tenure, as the government sought to link Ghanaian workers with countries experiencing labour shortages in sectors where Ghana possesses relevant skills.
According to Pelpuo, Ghana’s employment challenges could not be addressed solely by focusing on opportunities within the domestic economy.
“There are countries and sectors around the world that require skills that Ghanaian workers possess,” he said, noting that bilateral labour mobility arrangements were being strengthened to ensure that Ghanaians recruited abroad received appropriate protection, information, training and support.
The Ministry also launched a Nationwide Labour Migration Readiness Campaign during his tenure to provide prospective migrant workers with accurate information and reduce their exposure to fraudulent recruitment schemes and exploitation.
The planned agreements with the United States would represent a further expansion of Ghana’s efforts to formalise labour migration and create clearer pathways for citizens seeking employment overseas.
Pelpuo, who is leaving office, urged the Ministry’s leadership to continue the work and complete the outstanding agreements, particularly those relating to labour mobility to the United States.
The arrangements could become an important component of Ghana’s broader employment strategy, particularly as policymakers seek to combine domestic job creation with access to regulated international labour markets.
