The five-day trainings, which were delivered simultaneously, form part of a top-up support following initial microbusiness and psychotherapy support for the returnees. The trainings focused on giving the beneficiaries practical skills and in-depth knowledge about how to scale-up their businesses as well as awarded them with proficiency certifications to support their reintegration. The advanced business management training covered topics such as entrepreneurship, business management skills, financial management, and marketing basics. Varieties of methods were used to make the training more practical and understandable, including discussions, questions and answers, group work and presentations, situational pictures and videos, peer sharing, PowerPoint presentations, running dictation, and image theater.

Facilitators suggested possible solutions after participants shared their experiences and challenges in their line of work. “The training has given me a better understanding of how to manage my business financially, and with the new ideas I have gained, I hope to turn my business around” said Nimako, a beneficiary of the trainings. Those who participated in the training in Dormaa Ahenkro received hands-on practical training on sustainable livestock production including poultry, cattle, goat, sheep, pig, and snail farming, as well as beekeeping.

The livestock training was integrated with business and financial management to equip the participants with the skills needed for sustainable business and financial management. “The training has broadened my knowledge, not just in poultry farming, but other livestock rearing to provide an additional source of income. Importantly, I have received enough knowledge and support to manage my poultry farm to reduce cost and disease infestations and maximize profits” said Welbeck, a beneficiary of the training.

According to Ms. Pooja Bhalla, Project Manager, IOM Ghana, it is envisioned that the practical hands-on training and sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches will sharpen the skills of the returnees as part of sustainable reintegration support provided by IOM. Since 2017, more than 2,500 Ghanaian migrants have received assistance to return home with 779 migrants receiving individual, group, and community-based reintegration interventions. The initiative was supported by the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration.