Mahama announces plans to migrate Ghanaian workers to EU countries, says 'it's about creating safe and regulated pathways'

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans for a landmark labour migration agreement between Ghana and the European Union (EU), designed to create legal pathways for Ghanaian professionals to work in European countries facing acute labour shortages.

The initiative, he said, is intended to address both sides’ needs — helping Europe fill critical gaps in sectors like healthcare, construction, and agriculture, while offering Ghanaian workers regulated access to quality jobs abroad.

"This isn't about brain drain – it's about creating safe and regulated pathways that will benefit both continents," President Mahama stated at the 2025 Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra.

He emphasised that structured migration, rooted in “mutual recognition of qualifications and fair labour standards,” would significantly reduce irregular migration, which continues to claim the lives of young Africans attempting dangerous Mediterranean crossings.

High-Level Dialogue

The event was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was attended by top Ghanaian ministers — including Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu — as well as EU Ambassador to Ghana Irchad Razaaly and several EU member state envoys.

Economic Outlook and EU Partnership

President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s steady economic rebound, citing a recent credit rating upgrade to B-minus with a stable outlook as proof of progress under his administration’s fiscal reforms.

He acknowledged the EU’s ongoing role in Ghana’s public financial management and anti-corruption efforts, calling such support “crucial for sustainable growth.”

Mahama underscored his government's commitment to streamlining regulations for private investors, pointing to the introduction of a unified licensing system and a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) framework. He invited EU businesses to explore opportunities in “agribusiness, value addition, manufacturing, and digital innovation.”

Defence and Energy Cooperation

Touching on regional security, the President warned of rising violent extremism in West Africa and urged deeper EU collaboration in defence and intelligence-sharing. He called for “technology-driven partnerships” to support Ghana’s security and industrialisation goals.

He also highlighted Ghana’s green credentials, including participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to expand renewable energy projects. Mahama noted Ghana’s leadership in sustainable forestry, being “the first African country to issue a FLEGT Licence,” and referenced efforts to improve fisheries governance to meet EU standards.

Education and Mobility

Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa announced Ghana’s push for reforms to the EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship scheme. “Currently, 72% of awards go to non-technical disciplines,” he noted, adding that Ghana is advocating for more slots in science and technology.

He also outlined immediate diplomatic priorities, including EU support for evacuating Ghanaians from conflict zones in Israel and Iran, and accessing climate-related funding through carbon markets.

Strengthening Ties

EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly reaffirmed the strong EU-Ghana partnership, describing it as “stronger than ever.” She pointed to recent high-level visits by leaders from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Austria, Italy, and Germany as evidence of deepening ties.

Razaaly outlined three pillars of cooperation, including “economic transformation through projects such as the €55 million vaccine production initiative.”

President Mahama’s message was clear: the EU and Ghana can forge a new migration model rooted in fairness, opportunity, and mutual benefit — one that protects lives, strengthens economies, and deepens global partnerships.