The Gulf countries and the Caribbean top the list of countries deeply involved in the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme (GLEP).
Currently, a total of over 2,317 people are at various stages of the process to be deployed.
While others have already secured their visas, fully processed and ready for departure before the end of the year, others are still going through the selection and interview processes.
Thirty-five of them have already been deployed to the Gulf countries.
These figures were made known by the Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, in an interview in Accra on progress so far regarding the GLEP being pursued by the government since January when it assumed office.
Addressing unemployment
The GLEP is part of the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to tackle the issue of high unemployment, low foreign exchange inflows, and limited skills development.
Sharing some statistics, Mr Agyekum said in all, health workers topped the list of skilled workers engaged in the GLEP, followed by teachers.
In the Gulf Region, a total of 750 skilled workers had been targeted for deployment with 35 already deployed.
Those interested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are currently undergoing final deployment, with 60 visas already issued.
Additionally, a total of 200 workers are expected to receive visas for deployment.
From the Carribean, Bahamas tops, as 104 nurses and physicians have gone through the process and currently awaiting interview schedules, while 80 professional teachers have been processed awaiting deployment.
A total of 264 nurses had already gone through interview for possible deployment in Trinidad & Tobago.
A total of 170 workers have been fully processed and ready for departure to Antigua & Barbuda before the end of the year, while recruitment process is currently ongoing for deployment in Barbados and Surinam.
Interest in Europe
The Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives said the partnerships with Caribbean and Gulf countries remained active and productive, with new opportunities also emerging in Europe.
The minister said to ensure every Ghanaian job seeker was properly documented and eligible for international placement under the GLEP, individuals were required to register to be captured in the National Labour Database.
He said the registration exercise was currently done through physical submission of applications received in our office, or email submissions via the official email: projects@mosi.gov.gh.
Information dissemination
Mr Agyekum announced that a dedicated online link/form was being finalised as part of the ministry’s new digital platform, which would allow applicants to submit details directly, giving the assurance that “this will be announced publicly once ready.”
He said communication had been sent to Metropolitan, Municipal & District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the dissemination of GLEP information nationwide.
“As a result, a significant volume of applications has been received both at the ministry’s office and through the official email channels.
Expected Outcomes
On expected outcomes, Mr Agyekum said it was anticipated that there would be increased access to international job opportunities for Ghanaian workers.
Additionally, he said the initiative would boost foreign remittances and enhance skills transfer into Ghana’s labour ecosystem.
“It is also anticipated it would strengthen bilateral cooperation with partner countries and reinforce reputation of Ghana as a reliable supplier of skilled human resources,” he added.
