The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has launched a National Labour Migration Readiness Campaign to intensify public education on its Labour Exchange Programme. This initiative aims to address the significant skill gaps and limited awareness that prevent many young Ghanaians from securing legitimate overseas employment opportunities.
Malik Basintale, the Chief Executive Officer of YEA, announced the campaign on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He highlighted that many Ghanaian youth miss out on international job prospects due to inadequate skills and a lack of understanding regarding legal migration pathways. The Labour Exchange Programme, introduced under President John Dramani Mahama's leadership, connects qualified young Ghanaians with safe and regulated employment abroad.
This campaign fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to leverage its youthful population for global opportunities while mitigating the risks of irregular migration. The government seeks to formalize and streamline the process of Ghanaians working abroad, ensuring their safety and maximizing remittances. This effort aligns with national goals to reduce unemployment and enhance human capital development.
Basintale explained that the YEA has partnered with employers and other stakeholders to establish regular pathways for international employment. However, he revealed that many applicants fail to meet the basic requirements demanded by foreign employers. For instance, more than 500 people expressed interest in available overseas jobs, but fewer than 20 qualified after undergoing screening.
The YEA CEO noted that many applicants struggled with basic interview questions and practical assessments. Some also lacked essential digital skills required for work abroad. He cited a case where an applicant, shortlisted despite not knowing how to use Google Maps, later failed to navigate after arriving in Dubai. This underscores the critical need for better preparation before travelling for work.
The agency has therefore resolved to embark on a nationwide sensitization campaign. This campaign will educate young people about the Labour Exchange Programme, the specific skills required for overseas employment, and the importance of using legal migration channels. The YEA urges Ghanaian youth to take advantage of the programme by improving their employability skills and preparing to meet international labour market standards.
This initiative is crucial for Ghana's economy, as it aims to reduce the exploitation faced by those who resort to irregular migration. By providing structured pathways and skill development, the YEA expects to increase the number of Ghanaians successfully employed abroad. This will contribute to higher remittances and a more skilled workforce upon their return, boosting the national economy.
The success of this campaign will depend on its reach and the effectiveness of its educational programmes. Decision-makers and the public will be watching to see if the YEA can significantly improve the readiness of Ghanaian youth for international job markets. This effort could set a new standard for labour migration management in the country.