The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment (MLJE), in partnership with the Ghanaian-European Centre (GEC) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Ghana Career and Migration Fair.
The initiative is part of efforts to bridge the gap between Ghana’s growing youth population and the global demand for skilled labour, while promoting ethical and regular migration.
The fair, which is set to be held on September 17, 2025, was launched in Accra under the theme “Harnessing Youth Potential for Local and Global Labour Markets.”
In his keynote address, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassab Pelpuo, described the initiative as a key intervention under the government’s national job creation agenda. He noted that the fair would contribute meaningfully to the creation of over two million jobs by 2028 as outlined in the government’s employment strategy.
“We believe that Ghanaian youth are not lacking in talent or drive. What they need are the right opportunities, platforms, and support systems. This Career and Migration Fair does exactly that—connecting job seekers with local industries, international recruiters, and entrepreneurship support systems. It also ensures that those who choose to migrate do so through safe and regular pathways.” the Minister said.
The Minister urged participants to take full advantage of the fair, which he said will include skills training, CV clinics, mentorship, and sessions on legal migration and reintegration opportunities. He also emphasized that government would continue to work with partners like the GEC and GIZ to expand ethical migration channels to Germany, the European Union, and neighbouring ECOWAS states.
Mr. Hamidu Adakurugu, Chief Director of the Ministry, stressed the fair’s role in preparing Ghanaian youth for both domestic and international job markets. He explained that beyond immediate employment, the fair promotes digital and green economy skills, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.
“This fair is more than a job expo. It is a strategic tool for repositioning Ghana’s workforce for the jobs of the future. It also aligns with the government’s broader goal of fostering inclusive growth and decent work,” Mr. Adakurugu stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kwaku Yeboah, Component Manager of the Ghanaian-European Centre under GIZ, pointed out the urgency of tackling youth unemployment in Ghana. He cited statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service that place youth unemployment at 21%, and referenced ILO reports indicating over 73 million unemployed youth globally as of 2023.
However, he expressed hope that Ghana’s youthful population can meet global labour shortages, especially across Europe, in sectors such as healthcare, ICT, and construction. He highlighted that nearly all 31 countries under the European Employment Services (EURES) are experiencing labour gaps, making Ghana’s skilled youth increasingly valuable on the global stage.
“Opportunities exist for those who are prepared. The role of the fair is to bridge the gap between opportunity and preparation,” Mr. Yeboah said.
The Career and Migration Fair is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the European Union. It also forms part of the Work Abroad Program launched by the Ministry earlier this year to promote regular migration and reduce illegal routes taken by many young people.
With growing support from academia, the private sector, and development partners, the 2025 edition of the Career and Migration Fair is expected to be the most impactful yet, serving as a bridge between Ghana’s talented youth and the world of dignified, future-ready jobs.