Skilled labour migration should boost local economies – MP advocates
The Member of Parliament for the Krowor constituency, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has emphasised the need for harnessing skilled labor migration to improve local economies and drive sustainable socio-economic development.
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Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the fifth batch of forklift and mobile crane operators in Accra, themed "Socio-Economic Impact of Global Migration of Skilled Labour," she highlighted the importance of leveraging human capital to address the country's unemployment challenges.
The training program was organised by the Regional Maritime University in collaboration with the National Association of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators (NAHEOG).
“It’s crucial that such training initiatives address the pressing challenges faced by our unemployed youth,” she said, pointing out how these programs can offer a solution to the difficulties faced by many young Ghanaians in accessing quality education and securing well-paying jobs.
Ms. Lartey stressed that while the global migration of skilled labor is inevitable, local economies can benefit if the right strategies are in place.
She called on the government to implement policies that encourage the retention and development of skilled professionals within the West African sub-region.
Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., Acting Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, echoed these sentiments, urging local businesses to create more employment and training opportunities.
“A balanced approach to skilled labor migration is essential,” he stated, highlighting the need for local industries to provide further training and job opportunities to maintain a robust workforce.
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Dr. Brooks acknowledged the dual nature of skilled labor migration, noting that while it offers personal growth opportunities, it can also lead to "brain drain," which creates gaps in local economies.
Addressing the graduates, he said, “You have the power to build not only structures but also bridges between nations, fostering socio-economic ties that will benefit future generations.”
He emphasised the crucial role of forklift and mobile crane operators in industries such as construction and logistics, both locally and globally.
“Our graduates must be competitive on the world stage while also contributing to the development of our sub-region,” he added, encouraging them to embody integrity, dedication, and excellence.
Dominic Kofi Eyiah, President of NAHEOG and an instructor, praised the graduates and underscored the significance of the training, describing it as "world-class preparation for a globalized economy."
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to equipping individuals with modern technologies and skills to stay relevant in the job market.
In a related development, the Regional Maritime University opened a new NAHEOG office to strengthen ties between students and lecturers and to create a more conducive learning environment for forklift and mobile crane training.