Mahama announces Ghana Labour Export Programme to tackle youth unemployment

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to formally launch a Labour Export Programme aimed at providing job opportunities for the country’s youth through international employment partnerships.

Speaking to residents of the Ahafo Region on Saturday, 31 May, during his ongoing nationwide “Thank You” tour, President Mahama revealed that the government is in advanced discussions with a number of countries experiencing labour shortages.

“We will soon launch the Ghana Labour Export Programme. There are labour shortages in many countries across the world. We are negotiating with several of those countries to export some of our professionals to work on fixed-term contracts abroad,” President Mahama announced.

The programme is expected to target sectors such as agriculture, construction, health, hospitality, and logistics. Among the professionals likely to benefit are electricians, welders, mechanics, nurses, chefs, caterers, drivers, warehouse supervisors, and machine operators.

While he did not name the countries involved, President Mahama disclosed that an agreement has already been reached with one partner nation for the initial deployment of Ghanaian workers.

“A contract has been signed with one country for the export of 2000 temporary workers. Young qualified people will be selected fairly from all the 16 regions of our country, including Ahafo,” he disclosed.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Mahama administration to address high youth unemployment rates by leveraging global labour market demands. It is also seen as a strategic step towards easing domestic job pressures while equipping Ghanaians with international work experience.