Artisans in Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital, have welcomed the launch of the first phase of government’s “Work Abroad Programme”.

With Romania as the initial destination for skilled workers, the initiative is led by the Youth Employment Agency in collaboration with the Ghanaian-European Centre and European labour institutions.

The move is aimed at providing structured employment opportunities while ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions, a step towards promoting labour mobility and legal migration, abroad for Ghanaians.

It is not just about employment abroad, but a means of creating dignified work opportunities that strengthen both Ghana’s economy and international partnerships, according to the government.

In separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency at Siwido, the artisanal hub in the ancient Metropolis, Mr Kofi Owusu, a 35-year-old carpenter, expressed optimism about the programme saying: “This is a dream come true for me.

“I’ve always wanted to gain international experience and exposure, but I never thought it would be possible. With this programme, I can now showcase my skills globally and learn from others.”

Ms Akua Mensah, a 28-year-old fashion designer, echoed Kofi’s sentiments, “As a fashion designer, I’m always investigating how to improve my craft and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

She said the programme would offer her the chance to learn from Romanian designers and gain valuable experience in the fashion industry.

For Mr Kwame Addo, a 40-year-old electrician, the programme represents a chance to upgrade his skills and knowledge.

“I’ve been working as an electrician for over 15 years, but I know that there’s always room for improvement. With this programme, I can learn new techniques and technologies that will enable me to provide better services to my clients.

Ms Ama Ofori, a 25-year-old welder, noted that the programme showed that technical skills was as valuable as academic qualifications.

“We artisans are proud of our work, and we’re excited to showcase our skills on the global stage.”

For many others, the programme challenged the long-held perception that technical and vocational education is inferior to academic education.