Artisans in Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region, have warmly welcomed the first phase of the government’s “Work Abroad Programme”, which is designed to offer skilled workers the opportunity to work overseas. The programme, which initially targets Romania as the destination for skilled Ghanaian workers, is a collaboration between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), the Ghanaian-European Centre, and European labour institutions.
The government views the initiative as a step toward providing structured and well-paid employment opportunities abroad, ensuring safe working conditions, and promoting legal migration for Ghanaians. The programme aims to offer dignified work opportunities that will not only benefit individual workers but also strengthen Ghana’s economy and enhance international partnerships.
In separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency at Siwido, the artisanal hub in Cape Coast, local artisans expressed optimism about the programme. Kofi Owusu, a 35-year-old carpenter, shared his excitement: “This is a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to gain international experience and exposure, but I never thought it would be possible. With this programme, I can now showcase my skills globally and learn from others.”
Similarly, Akua Mensah, a 28-year-old fashion designer, highlighted the opportunity the programme presents for improving her craft: “As a fashion designer, I’m always investigating how to improve my skills and stay updated with the latest trends. This programme will offer me the chance to learn from Romanian designers and gain valuable experience in the fashion industry.”
For Kwame Addo, a 40-year-old electrician, the programme represents a chance to learn new techniques and enhance his service offerings. “I’ve been working as an electrician for over 15 years, but I know that there’s always room for improvement,” he noted.
Ama Ofori, a 25-year-old welder, emphasized how the initiative affirms the value of technical skills: “We artisans are proud of our work, and we’re excited to showcase our skills on the global stage.” The programme challenges the longstanding perception that technical and vocational education is inferior to academic education.
The Work Abroad Programme is seen as a significant move by the government to create job opportunities for Ghanaians abroad, contribute to the national economy through remittances, and curb illegal migration by providing legal, safe pathways for workers.
