Accra, April 11, GNA – The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, in collaboration with SOS Labour Ghana—a specialized job placement firm—has announced an initiative to secure over 8,500 foreign employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth.

This partnership aligns with the government’s Work Abroad Programme, which aims to place qualified but underutilized Ghanaian workers in well-compensated positions across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Beneficiaries will include skilled professionals such as carpenters, masons, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, operators, and structural iron workers, with monthly earnings ranging from US $toUS$4,000.

During a meeting with a delegation from SOS Labour Ghana in Accra on Friday, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the sector minister, emphasized that this initiative will significantly contribute to reducing unemployment in the country. The delegation, which included ten queenmothers representing Naa Okaitso IV of Abola, was led by Rev. Dr. Princess Asie Ocamsey, Chief Executive Officer of SOS Labour Ltd.

Dr. Pelpuo outlined mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries contribute to national development through remittances and a structured housing scheme, where a portion of their salaries will be allocated toward building homes in Ghana.

“This programme provides our youth with the opportunity to gain international experience, enhance their skills, and return to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic growth,” he stated.

The minister also expressed concerns over the prolonged unemployment of graduates in fields such as nursing, teaching, and computer science, stressing that the Work Abroad Programme will mitigate this challenge while safeguarding workers’ rights abroad.

“We are committed to ensuring that Ghanaian workers overseas are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect under the protection of our labour laws,” Dr. Pelpuo affirmed. He further cautioned against exploitative practices by foreign employers, reiterating the government’s stance against worker mistreatment and human trafficking.

Dr. Ocamsey, a distinguished African Union (AU) Migration Consultant, elaborated on the programme’s long-term benefits, which include two-year renewable contracts, free accommodation, transportation, and meals.

“The initial phase will recruit 800 men for roles such as general labourers, motorcycle (okada) riders, and warehouse assistants, alongside 200 women for positions as utility helpers and factory workers, under our ‘Quenching the Thirst4Jobs for Good’ initiative,” she explained.

The initiative is expected to create substantial employment opportunities while fostering economic growth and skills development for Ghanaian workers.

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