Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 held in Kumasi

The Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 took place in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, marking a significant step in addressing youth unemployment and underemployment in Ghana.

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 provided a unique platform for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to connect with over 60 recruiters, companies, and international organizations from Europe and Ghana.

Now in its seventh edition, the fair has become a vital resource for the Ghanaian labor market, offering participants direct access to employment opportunities, skills development programs, and educational pathways.

Attendees benefited from insightful panel discussions and breakout sessions exploring emerging trends in the global labor market, including the potential for development through migration and entrepreneurship.

At the opening ceremony, Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, emphasized the significance of the event.

“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 skilled labor to thrive. Additionally, by addressing international career and education opportunities, we aim to highlight the development-oriented approach to migration championed by the German Cooperation and the European Union—one that benefits both Ghana and its international partners,” Berding said.

This year’s fair also spotlighted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), introducing participants to alternative career paths and promoting hands-on skills as crucial to economic empowerment. Experts from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Campus France, and Erasmus+ were present to provide students and professionals with insights into accessing world-class education in Europe and advancing their careers internationally.

Commenting on the fair’s significance, Dr. Festus Awuah Kwofie, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, noted, “The government recognizes the importance of employment, which is why we are focused on coordinating various initiatives to promote skills development and job creation. Promoting regular, safe, and orderly labor migration is one avenue that supports the government's job creation agenda. However, to effectively benefit from labor migration, it must be well-managed. We need to understand labor demands in Germany, Europe, and parts of Africa, and by working together, we can provide opportunities for our youth.”

As Ghana grapples with youth unemployment, affecting over 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 35, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 took on heightened significance. The event succeeded in empowering vulnerable groups, including women and persons with disabilities, while raising awareness about global labor market requirements and fair recruitment practices.

Since its inception in 2018, the fair has connected job seekers with employers, promoted skills development, and encouraged entrepreneurship. With over 19,000 participants across its six previous editions, the event has directly led to 1,277 job placements, including 521 positions secured by women. Additionally, 450 exhibitors have presented 1,855 job vacancies through the fair.

The 2024 fair was organized in partnership with the Labour Department, Youth Employment Agency, Wealth and Jobs Agency, and the Delegation of German Industry in Ghana. It offered a wide range of opportunities for learning, networking, and exploring paths to success in an increasingly interconnected world.

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