Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed the full rollout of the newly ratified Ghana-Qatar Labour Mobility Agreement after high-level bilateral talks in Doha.
The announcement followed a meeting between Mr. Ablakwa and Qatar’s Minister for Labour, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, held on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding employment pathways for skilled Ghanaian workers and deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Ablakwa commended Qatar for its continued partnership and warm reception, noting that the strong rapport between both governments has fast-tracked progress on labour collaboration.
The agreement—ratified by Ghana’s Parliament last week and now fully endorsed by both states—establishes a structured and safeguarded system for labour recruitment, deployment, and worker protection in Qatar.
Qatar’s Labour Ministry estimates that about 13,000 Ghanaians are currently employed in the Gulf nation. Ghana is targeting a doubling of this number by next year, with long-term projections aiming at 50,000 Ghanaian professionals across multiple sectors.
As part of the rollout, Ghana will host the inaugural meeting of the Ghana-Qatar Joint Technical Committee in February 2026. The committee will monitor implementation, enforce transparency, and ensure compliance with international labour standards.
Mr. Ablakwa assured that recruitment under the agreement will be strictly merit-based and transparent, guaranteeing strong protections for Ghanaian workers. Beneficiaries will be deployed into high-demand fields including aviation, tourism, IT, logistics, transportation, and public health.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with the Mahama administration’s broader strategy to expand sustainable job opportunities at home and abroad.
“We will continue to pursue smart, pragmatic policies to create jobs for our young people, whether in Ghana or internationally,” he stated.
The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and broaden global employment prospects for Ghana’s skilled workforce.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku