Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana and the State of Qatar have agreed to swiftly finalise a labour mobility agreement aimed at creating job opportunities for thousands of skilled Ghanaian youths.

The announcement follows an official visit to Doha at the invitation of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.

In a post on his Facebook page, the Minister wrote, “I am in Qatar for an official visit on the invitation of the Prime Minister … Our fruitful bilateral discussions have focused on forging closer ties, increasing trade, strategic security cooperation and collaborating in conflict mediation as our two countries believe in a multilateral rule‑based order anchored on peace and stability.”

The Minister explained that the two countries also committed to easing visa requirements to facilitate greater movement of persons and goods, a move expected to enhance direct flights between Ghana and Qatar.

“We also committed to easing visa requirements to facilitate greater movement of persons and goods … which is expected to enhance the existing direct flights between our two nations.”

Highlighting the labour agreement, he said, “Ghana and Qatar have agreed to quickly conclude a labour mobility agreement to open up job opportunities for thousands of skilled young Ghanaians.”

He added that both countries have decided to facilitate a Presidential Ghana‑Qatar Business Forum during President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Qatar next month.

“To create business partnerships and synergies, we both decided to facilitate a Presidential Ghana‑Qatar business forum when President Mahama visits Qatar next month.”