The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development is set to host the highly anticipated Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 on October 16-17 at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi.

This annual event has become a vital platform for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses, offering direct access to over 60 recruiters, companies, and international organizations from both Europe and Ghana.

In addition to the networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights through panel discussions and breakout sessions focusing on emerging trends in the global labour market.

The fair aims to harness the development potential of migration and entrepreneurship as solutions to Ghana’s youth unemployment and underemployment challenges. Participants will also be introduced to alternative career paths, particularly in skills development and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

One of the highlights of the fair will be the opportunity for attendees to explore educational opportunities across Europe. Experts from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Campus France, and Erasmus+ will be available to guide students through the rich possibilities these programmes offer. They will share key insights on accessing world-class education, helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad.

Employment promotion, particularly addressing youth unemployment and underemployment, remains a top priority for Ghana. In collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ghanaian-European Centre is committed to changing the employment landscape for the nation's youth. This partnership has driven the success of the Ghana Career and Migration Fairs, which have been held annually since 2018.

Over the years, the fair has evolved into a platform for connecting job seekers with employers, while also promoting skills development and entrepreneurship. Its adaptability has been one of its strengths—physical, virtual, and hybrid—the fair has expanded its reach to cities like Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale, ensuring that more Ghanaians can benefit from the opportunities it provides.

The impact is clear: 19,000 participants have attended the fair across its six previous editions, with 1,277 securing employment—including 521 women. Employers, too, have found great value, with 450 exhibitors participating and 1,855 job vacancies showcased. Notably, 78% of exhibitors believe the fair effectively connects employers with qualified candidates. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with 81% satisfied with the sessions, 93% finding the event useful, and 95% recommending it to others.

As Ghana faces the challenge of youth unemployment, which affects over 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 35, the seventh edition of the fair is even more significant.

The fair is particularly committed to raising awareness about global labour market demands, promoting fair recruitment practices, and empowering vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by unemployment.

Organized in partnership with the Labour Department, Youth Employment Agency, Wealth and Jobs Agency, and the Delegation of German Industry in Ghana, the Ghana Career and Migration Fair 2024 is more than just a job fair. It’s about fostering innovation, creating lasting opportunities, and empowering Ghana’s youth to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.