The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has announced a strategic partnership with private labor export companies to enhance overseas job opportunities for young Ghanaians, reinforcing its commitment to tackling youth unemployment through structured international employment pathways.
The initiative, part of YEA’s Work Abroad Model, aims to provide secure and sustainable alternatives to irregular migration while equipping participants with viable career options abroad.
Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, the program recently established oversight committees tasked with creating global job opportunities, improving youth employability, and ensuring adherence to safe migration practices. YEA CEO Malik Basintale emphasized the program’s focus on dignity and fairness, stating, “This initiative is not about exporting labor indiscriminately; it’s about creating structured, dignified, and well-remunerated job opportunities for Ghanaians on the global stage.”
The Work Abroad Model, central to YEA’s international strategy, seeks to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized migration by partnering with vetted firms that guarantee ethical recruitment and workplace standards. These collaborations will enable the agency to scale its reach, offering roles in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and technology, with a focus on countries facing labor shortages.
The move comes amid persistent youth unemployment challenges in Ghana, where nearly 12% of individuals aged 15–24 remain jobless, according to recent data. By prioritizing safe migration, the initiative also addresses concerns over exploitation and human trafficking, which have plagued informal labor migration routes.
While specific targets for job placements were not disclosed, the agency affirmed its commitment to transparency and periodic updates. Analysts note that such programs could alleviate economic pressures while fostering skills transfer, though long-term success hinges on robust monitoring and bilateral agreements with host nations.
As Ghana’s youth increasingly look beyond borders for opportunities, the YEA’s model underscores a shift toward institutionalizing labor migration a balance between addressing domestic employment gaps and safeguarding citizens’ welfare abroad.
