We’re committed to changing nation’s unemployment landscape - Ghanaian-European Centre affirms

The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development has iterated its commitment to help address youth unemployment and underemployment as it sets the stage to host this year’s Ghana Career and Migration Fair. 

The event, which will be held on October 16 and October 17, will bring together job seekers, entrepreneurs, and businesses, offering direct access to over 60 recruiters, companies, and international organisations from Europe and Ghana.

In addition to the networking opportunities, participants 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 the country’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).

It would be organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, GIZ, Labour Department, Youth Employment Agency, Wealth and Jobs Agency and a Delegation of German Industry in Ghana under the theme; “Empowering local talents for global opportunities.”

Priority

In a statement, the partners said employment promotion, particularly addressing youth unemployment and underemployment, remained a top priority for the country hence their commitment to changing the employment landscape for the nation's youth.

It also noted  that the fair had, over the years, evolved into a platform for connecting job seekers with employers, while also promoting skills development and entrepreneurship.

It said it’s adaptability of physical, virtual, and hybrid sessions had 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: Nineteen thousand 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,” it said. 

Candidate

“Notably, 78 per cent of exhibitors believe the fair effectively connects employers with qualified candidates. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with 81 per cent satisfied with the sessions, 93 per cent finding the event useful, and 95 per cent recommending it to others,” the statement added.

It stressed that as the country faced youth unemployment, which affects over 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 35, the fair was 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.

“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 globalised world,” the statement added.