Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development and Ministry of Employment organize Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024

The Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 has officially opened marking another milestone in the ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment and underemployment in Ghana.

It was organized by the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.

The two-day event offers a unique platform for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to connect with over 60 recruiters, companies, and international organizations from Europe and Ghana.

The fair was officially launched by Otumfuo Hiahene Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene, and it started on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and it is expected to end on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Now in its 7th edition, the event has grown into a vital resource for the Ghanaian labour market, providing participants with direct access to employment opportunities, skills development, and educational pathways.

Attendees will benefit from insightful panel discussions and breakout sessions that explore emerging trends in the global labour market, including the development potential of migration and entrepreneurship, according to the organisers.

This year’s fair also places a strong emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), introducing alternative career paths to participants and promoting hands-on skills as key to economic empowerment.

With experts from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Campus France, and Erasmus+ on hand, students and professionals alike will explore the wealth of educational opportunities across Europe, gaining insights into how to access world-class education and further their careers internationally.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, Andreas Berding, reiterated the importance of the event, stating that “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.”

 “Addressing international career and education opportunities, 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,” he added.

Commenting on the fair’s broader significance, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie, remarked, “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 further said.

However, to effectively benefit from labour migration, Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie stated that it must be well-managed, and they must understand the labour demands in Germany, Europe, and parts of Africa, and hope that by working together, we can provide opportunities to the teeming youth.

As Ghana faces the challenge of youth unemployment, affecting over 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 35, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 takes on even greater significance. The event seeks to empower vulnerable groups, including women and persons with disabilities, and raise awareness of global labour market requirements and fair recruitment practices.

Ghana Career and Migration Fair

Since its inception in 2018, the fair has evolved into a platform for connecting job seekers with employers, promoting skills development, and fostering entrepreneurship.

With over 19,000 participants across its six previous editions, the event has directly resulted in 1,277 jobs, including 521 positions secured by women. 450 exhibitors have participated, presenting 1,855 job vacancies.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah