February 18, 2026 – The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to championing the dignity, protection and rights of its migrant workers; and promoting fair and ethical recruitment practices, as the Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment (FAIR) Phase Three officially closed in Accra.
Addressing participants at the close-out workshop, the Minister stressed that fair recruitment is fundamental to safeguarding the dignity and rights of Ghanaian workers, particularly migrant workers.
“Labour migration remains an important livelihood option for many Ghanaians and a significant contributor to national development. However, without effective safeguards, migrant workers may face vulnerabilities, including unfair recruitment practices and exploitation,” he stated.
He explained that Ghana’s decision to maintain restrictions on the recruitment of domestic workers to certain Gulf States was guided by concerns over abuse and exploitation. While acknowledging the growing demand for overseas employment opportunities, the Minister emphasized that recruitment processes must remain transparent, lawful and aligned with established procedures, despite pressures on agencies to circumvent due process.
The close-out workshop was organized by the International Labour Organization in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment. It brought together representatives from government, employers, labour unions, development partners and civil society to reflect on achievements under the programme and chart a sustainable path forward for labour migration governance in Ghana.
The FAIR programme, supported by development partners including Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit and the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has since September 2023 strengthened Ghana’s labour migration governance systems and regulatory frameworks.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Embassy, Mr. Carl Kofi Alai highlighted Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to fair recruitment since the global launch of the initiative in 2015. He described fair recruitment as both a moral obligation and an economic necessity, noting that well-governed migration can drive development, whereas informal and abusive recruitment systems expose vulnerable workers to exploitation.
Representing the Ghana Employers’ Association, Ms. Elizabeth Mojazo reiterated the private sector’s resolve to sustain the gains made under the programme. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Association, she described the close-out not as the end of a project, but as “an opportunity for reflection, accountability and commitment to sustainability.” She emphasized that fair recruitment enhances productivity, enterprise growth and national competitiveness.
Similarly, Dr. Kennedy Achakoma, representing organized labour, reaffirmed labour’s commitment to advancing decent work principles, stressing that fair recruitment remains the cornerstone of inclusive and equitable employment. He called for improved planning, adequate financing and strengthened institutional oversight, including enhanced pre-departure orientation and better access to information for migrant workers.
The Global Programme Manager for FAIR Phase Three, Madam Kenza, commended Ghana’s leadership, particularly its adoption of the National Fair Recruitment Roadmap, which she noted is attracting international interest. She underscored that although the project phase is ending, the broader agenda of protecting migrant workers must continue through strong tripartite collaboration among government, employers and workers.
Throughout the deliberations, stakeholders emphasized that effective coordination among institutions remains critical. Participants called for institutionalized monitoring systems, strengthened regulatory oversight and sustained public awareness to ensure that migration from Ghana is safe, orderly and regular.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Public Affairs Unit, MLJE
