The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has revealed that the government is taking concrete steps to formalise its Work Abroad Initiative through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with partner countries.

The move, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, aims to create a legal, structured, and sustainable framework for the export of Ghanaian labour.

Speaking during an appearance on The Probe with Carlos last Sunday, Mr Opare Addo explained that the initiative is intended to regulate labour migration in a way that benefits both the migrants and the Ghanaian state.

“We talk about brain drain because it hasn’t been regularised. The government isn’t gaining anything from the investments it makes in these young people, yet they will migrate anyway,” the Minister stated. “So if they are going to go, why don’t we make it sustainable, decent, and regularised?”

He emphasised the need to protect vulnerable groups, particularly young women, from exploitation due to irregular migration channels.

“A lot of our sisters are being taken advantage of because of how they migrate. If they are going to go, then let’s ensure that their labour is exported legally, and let’s ensure government oversight on those who are going abroad.”

Mr Opare Addo drew comparisons with countries such as the Philippines and Cuba, known for structured labour export systems that benefit both their economies and their citizens.

“There are Filipinos everywhere. They export labour. There are Cuban doctors all over the world. Meanwhile, we have Ghanaian nurses who have been sitting at home for four, five, even six years because we haven’t been able to post them. Europe needs nurses. So why can’t we create a programme that helps them migrate, with the right certifications in place?”

He noted that the unregulated nature of migration has left many Ghanaians stranded or exploited abroad. According to the Minister, government intervention through formal agreements and monitored channels would prevent such occurrences.

“That’s how middlemen exploit them – because there’s no structure. If the government can regularise this and take charge, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Development, I think it’s a masterstroke, and we must all support it.”

The Minister also highlighted the widespread interest in the programme and reassured the public that the government is taking action to ensure proper follow-up on the whereabouts and welfare of Ghanaians working abroad.

“Everyone wants to be part of it. Government is signing MoUs with foreign organisations. If your citizens are leaving the country and you’re a government that cares, you should be able to track and know where they are going. We receive distressed calls from our brothers and sisters abroad — calls that they are being abused or misled.”

He recalled his recent involvement in welcoming returnees in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), reinforcing the need for a proper migration framework.

“Not long ago, I joined the ILO to welcome returnees back to Ghana. This initiative is meant to curb that and ensure there’s a proper process, so that we can export labour just like other countries do.”