The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale has announced plans to intensify public education on the Labour Exchange Programme, stressing that many Ghanaian youth continue to miss overseas employment opportunities due to inadequate skills and limited awareness of legal migration pathways.
Speaking at the media launch of the National Labour Migration Readiness Campaign on Tuesday July 28, 2026, Basintale said that the agency has introduced the Labour Exchange Programme under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama to connect qualified young Ghanaians with safe and regulated employment opportunities abroad.
According to him, the growing number of young people who resort to irregular migration in search of greener pastures fall victim to exploitation because of desperation.
Basintale explained that over the past years the agency has partnered with employers and other stakeholders to establish regular pathways for international employment.
However, he revealed that many applicants fail to meet the basic requirements demanded by foreign employers.
He said that more than 500 people expressed interest in available overseas jobs, but fewer than 20 qualified after undergoing screening exercise.
Basintale explained many applicants also struggled with basic interview questions and practical assessments, while some lacked essential digital skills required for work abroad.
“He cited the case of one applicant who was shortlisted despite not knowing how to use Google Maps but later failed to navigate after arriving in Dubai, underscoring the need for better preparation before travelling for work”.
“The agency has therefore resolved to embark on a nationwide sensitization campaign to educate young people about the Labour Exchange Programme, the skills required for overseas employment, and the importance of using legal migration channels he stated”.
He urged Ghanaian youth to take advantage of the programme by improving their employability skills and preparing themselves to meet international labour market standard.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
