Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration at the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Addressing delegates at the forum on behalf of the Government of Ghana and President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase constituency , Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, said Ghana remains committed to advancing the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration.
Speaking on May 7, 2026, the Minister noted that since the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in 2018, Ghana had established strong institutional frameworks to improve migration governance.
According to him, Ghana’s National Migration Policy and the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration have strengthened collaboration among state institutions and stakeholders to safeguard migrants’ rights and promote effective migration management.
He explained that the country’s three-year National Implementation Plan prioritises the protection of migrants’ human rights, return and reintegration processes, and the preservation of national sovereignty.
Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak highlighted Ghana’s refugee inclusion policies, particularly the Ghana Refugee Agribusiness and Sustainability Programme implemented in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
He said the programme supports refugees with land access, agricultural inputs and training to enable them to engage in productive farming activities while promoting peaceful coexistence with host communities.
The Interior Minister added that refugees in Ghana continue to benefit from access to healthcare, education and agricultural extension services as part of efforts to promote social cohesion and self-reliance.
On labour migration, the Minister disclosed that Ghana had expanded regular migration pathways through bilateral labour agreements and memoranda of understanding with several countries.
He revealed that more than 400 Ghanaian nurses had migrated to Grenada and Barbados, while additional skilled professionals had secured employment opportunities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak further noted that remittances remain a major contributor to Ghana’s economy, with the country receiving approximately US$7.1 billion in remittances in 2024, representing 8.6 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He therefore called for stronger international cooperation to reduce the cost of remittance transfers and improve financial inclusion.
The Minister also outlined Ghana’s Migration Policy on Return, Readmission and Reintegration, saying the government was implementing a National Referral Mechanism to support returning migrants with skills training, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship support.
He stressed that Ghana remains committed to ensuring dignified reintegration for returnees while addressing stigma associated with migration return.
In concluding his address, Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak urged member states and international partners to deepen cooperation, share best practices and mobilise resources to achieve the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration.
“Only through sustained global cooperation can we ensure safe, orderly and regular migration, foster inclusive development, and uphold the dignity and rights of all migrants,” he stated.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
