Empowering Ghanaian Youth for Global Opportunities: Ghana Career & Migration Fair 2024 Launched

The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development (GEC), in partnership with the Labour Department of the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), has officially inaugurated the seventh edition of its annual career fair in Kumasi.

The Ghana Career & Migration Fair 2024 was launched with the theme: “Empowering Local Talents for Global Opportunities,” and received the blessing of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

This year’s fair, branded the ‘Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024,’ aims to unite stakeholders from Ghana, Germany, and the broader European Union to explore avenues for enhancing youth employment through technical and vocational skills training. The focus will be on sustainable job creation, entrepreneurship, and skill development for skilled labor migration to Germany and the EU.

Additionally, the event seeks to inform Ghanaian labor market stakeholders about employment opportunities, including skilled jobs, educational prospects, and technical and vocational training within West Africa and the EU job market.

Scheduled for October 16th-17th, 2024, in Kumasi, the fair will address how well-trained and talented youth can secure jobs, acquire new skills to remain competitive globally, and contribute to the local market’s growth.

Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, highlighted the Centre’s collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in tackling unemployment challenges in Ghana.

Andreas Berding emphasized that the Ghana Career & Migration Fair is a premier annual event designed to connect job seekers with global opportunities.

He noted that today’s job market demands digital skills and suggested that being well-trained can lead to self-employment. The fair will offer guidance on various aspects, including language courses and visa issues.

Mr. Berding mentioned that there are no specific requirements for participating in the fair, as the authorities will assess the qualifications of the candidates. He encouraged Ghanaians to be proactive and consider the strategic opportunities available abroad.

In his keynote address, captured by Nana Owusu Achiaw, Mr. Jeffery Oppong Peprah, CEO of Volkswagen Ghana, highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing the auto industry in Africa. He stressed the importance of developing skills in young people to support this growth.

Mr. Jeffery Oppong Peprah suggested collaborating with universities and vocational training institutions to establish development centers that can provide training for the informal sector. He assured that such training is valuable and sustainable, allowing individuals to work in various settings within the automobile industry.

Mr. Arnold Asafu-Adjaye, Project Manager for Wealth and Agency, took the opportunity to outline the role of Wealth and Agency. He explained that the agency is a private employment organization dedicated to fostering economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation.

Mr. Asafu-Adjaye in an interview with Nana Owusu Achiaw pointed out that unemployment can lead to social issues, which is why it’s crucial to equip the younger generation with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the job market.

He disclosed that through collaborations with educational institutions, government agencies, and international development organizations, they have established programs aimed at equipping young individuals with the practical skills, knowledge, and financial resources necessary for success.

He revealed that this year alone, Wealth and Agency has successfully facilitated employment for over 200 individuals on cruise ships worldwide.

Mr. Asafu-Adjaye, discussing the Ghana Career & Migration Fair, anticipated that the event would provide a vital platform for employers and job seekers to connect directly.

He further noted that participants will gain valuable access to resources and knowledge related to entrepreneurship, skilled labor migration to Germany and the broader European Union, as well as educational opportunities.

Mr. Asafu-Adjaye also took the opportunity to urge the media to enhance awareness of the event, which is scheduled for October 16th-17th, 2024, in Kumasi.