Government of Ghana has taken a significant step toward implementing a structured labour export strategy with the official inauguration of the National Planning Committee for the Ghana Labour Exchange Program (GLEP).
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Presidential Annex under the theme “Designing Ghana’s Global Workforce Strategy,” was spearheaded by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, led by Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo.
It drew participation from high-level stakeholders, including government ministries, international development partners, foreign missions, labour experts, and civil society organizations.
The establishment of the National Planning Committee marks a decisive moment in Ghana’s quest to become a global hub for skilled labour export.
It underscores the government’s commitment to fostering safe, ethical, and mutually beneficial labour migration through formalized channels and international partnerships.
“This is a direct manifestation of President Mahama’s transformative labour diplomacy agenda,” said Hon. Dr. Pelpuo.
“Our goal is to ensure that Ghanaian professionals are equipped, protected, and recognized globally for their talent and contribution.”
President Mahama, who was not present but shared his thoughts in a statement, emphasized the urgency and potential of the initiative:
“There is a global labour shortage. We must seize the moment to export skilled Ghanaian professionals through structured partnerships that guarantee dignity, knowledge exchange, and national reinvestment.”
As part of its mandate, the National Planning Committee will develop comprehensive frameworks to facilitate international employment agreements, training programs, and diaspora reintegration pathways.
The committee has also been tasked with creating mechanisms to protect the rights and welfare of Ghanaian workers abroad, ensuring that labour export becomes a dignified and economically viable option.
Hon. Pelpuo closed the ceremony with a strong call to action:
“This is not just about jobs. It’s about creating a global brand for Ghanaian professionalism. I urge this committee to work diligently to make this vision a reality.”
With this launch, Ghana is poised to redefine its approach to labour mobility, setting a benchmark in Africa for structured, secure, and development-oriented labour exportation.
