Hundreds of youth who attended this year’s Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 have been introduced to the nuances of regular migration; emerging demand driven and market oriented skills; job opportunities and new pathways for studying abroad.
This event, organized by the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, aimed to tackle the pressing issues of youth unemployment and underemployment in Ghana.
This year’s fair marked its seventh edition, showcasing a robust platform for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to engage with over 60 recruiters from both Europe and Ghana.
The two-day event featured engaging panel discussions and breakout sessions that delved into emerging trends in the global labor market.
Topics included the potential benefits of migration and entrepreneurship.
Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre, emphasized the fair’s role in fostering meaningful connections between young graduates seeking jobs and companies in need of skilled labor.
“We’ve created a space where meaningful connections can happen—whether it’s a young graduate looking for their first job or a company seeking the skilled labour it needs to thrive.
He pointed out that the Fair is keen on building shared educational and career opportunities that satisfy the mutual benefits of both Ghana and Europe
“We want to not only show opportunities for job seekers but to underline the development-oriented approach to migration of the German Cooperation and the European Union —one that benefits both Ghana and its international partners,” Andreas Berding stated.
In addition to job opportunities, the fair highlighted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), encouraging attendees to consider alternative career paths that emphasize practical skills as essential for economic empowerment.
Experts from organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Erasmus+ provided insights into educational opportunities across Europe, helping participants navigate pathways to world-class education.
Government Remarks
Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, acknowledged the government’s commitment to addressing employment challenges.
He noted that promoting safe and orderly labor migration is crucial for supporting job creation initiatives.
“Government acknowledges the importance of employment and that is why the focus has been on coordinating diverse interventions to promote skills development and employment. Promoting regular, safe and orderly labour migration is one of the pathways that has emerged as an opportunity to support the government’s job creation agenda”, he said,” He emphasized.
Dr. Kwofie stressed the importance of understanding labor demands in Germany and Europe to effectively manage migration opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
With youth unemployment affecting over 1.3 million individuals aged 15 to 35 in Ghana, this year’s fair took on a heightened significance.
It aimed to empower vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities, while raising awareness about global labor market demands and equitable recruitment practices.
Benefits of the Fair
Since its inception in 2018, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair has evolved into a vital resource for connecting job seekers with employers.
The event has successfully linked thousands of participants with job opportunities, resulting in significant employment outcomes, including over 1,200 job placements.
www.kumasimail.com /Michael Wallia
