The fair was spearheaded by the Ghana-European Centre of Jobs, Migration and Development in collaboration with the European Union (EU), German Development Corporation (GIZ), among other partners.

The event, which was on the theme “Unlocking Skills for the Future of Work”, brought together over 60 local and international employers, innovators and migration experts who engaged participants at the fair.

The fair sensitised participants on how to find proper ways for job migration and ethical recruitment in Germany and other EU countries.

Dr Abdul-Rasheed Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, said the fair was a crucial platform in preparing Ghanaian youth for the future of work, as the theme of the fair suggests.

The Minister was hopeful that the fair would be a turning point for the nation’s youth who are poised to make a change for themselves and enhance their skills.
He added that the evolving nature of global technology and digitisation further forces youth to look beyond the normal and hopes the fair would positively impact their skills.

“Through this fair, we aim to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, digital proficiency and the EU’s Skills Agenda.

“Labour migration remains a vital pathway for Ghanaian job seekers, and this fair has been structured to provide guidance on ethical migration, fair recruitment and legal protection to help job seekers fill vacancies in high-demand areas such as healthcare, IT and construction,” he said.

Dr Pelpuo stated that as part of the government reset agenda, youth-led ventures in digital technology, agribusiness, green economy, and others would be supported, considering their immense potential.

Mr Andreas Berding, the Head of the Ghana-European Centre of Jobs, Migration and Development, said with thousands coming out of schools every year, it was pertinent to address how well they are prepared for the job market.
He said that the fair sought to offer start-ups for participants and also receive safe guidance on migration.

Mr Berding noted that the fair since 2018 has facilitated the job placement of over 1200 participants, and they are looking to build on it.

“These are just not numbers but lives that we have positively influenced and opportunities we have created.

“This year we aim to build on that success, and with the theme, it is a call to action for the youth to embrace innovation.

“I urge participants to take advantage of this opportunity, connect with others and prepare themselves for the future,” he said.

Mr Frederik Landshöft, Germany’s Ambassador-designate to Ghana, said he was inspired by youth and vibrant participants who were determined to shape their future for themselves and their country.

“This is the right time and moment for Ghana and Germany to build our future together. Germany is in need of skilled professionals, like the ones you are on your way to becoming,” he told participants.

Ambassador Landshöft noted that Germany had taken ambitious measures to attract talent, and two years ago they passed a skilled immigration act to make the country more attractive for international talents.

Other speakers at the fair were Madam Hilda Nimo-Tieku, the Managing Director of Jobberman Ghana, and Mr Jonas Claes, the Deputy EU Ambassador to Ghana.

Since its inception in 2018, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair has welcomed over 20,700 participants and hosted more than 450 exhibitors.