-registration commences as main event slated for 27-29 July, 2021
The Ghana-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GGC) under Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), has launched the third edition of Ghana Job Fair (GJF).
The 2021 GJF, which is dubbed the hybrid edition, is aimed at skills improvement among young entrepreneurs, technical and vocational artisans who are seeking jobs, and is hinged on four core areas: namely digital skills, employability, entrepreneurship and networking between jobseekers and industry.
Coordinator of the Network for Inclusive Economic Development (NIED) cluster at GIZ, Gerald Guskowski, speaking at the programme launch indicated that the German government is keen on human resources development and youth empowerment; and so will continue to extend the same support to people in Ghana, especially in the area of employment and skills development through its operations in Ghana.
“Germany is one of Ghana’s most important development partners, and for us Ghana is a key partner in Africa; and based on our shared values, we continue working together to create decent jobs, especially in small and medium-sized businesses,” he said.
Senior National Programme Coordinator-GGC, David Tette, reiterated that since creation of the centre in December 2017, it has been dedicated to youth development because it realised that the Ghanaian youth is full of great potentials, and given the right tools, platform and exposure, there is so much they can do. “For us at the GGC, and our partners, we want to be, and are happy to be, the ones providing this platform to enable the youth and jobseekers to achieve their dreams,” he said.
Mr. Tette indicated that based on popular requests and feedback gathered over the past two editions, the programme has been extended to three days from 27-29 July, 2021. Registration is as open from now to July 13, 2021.
Deputy Director of Policy Planning, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ernest Berko, speaking on behalf of the sector minister, indicated that government is interested in job creation and issues relating to youth development and empowerment. Also, that government has been doing a lot in this regard, but despite the measures and initiatives put in place it will still take strong action from corporate and development agencies to complement their efforts to improve the standard of living for youths in the country.
An overview of the GJF themed ‘Connect, Explore and Advance Your Career’, which started in 2019, shows that 6,927 people have participated in the programme; 1,455 job vacancies presented; and 338 participants placed into employment – out of which 141 are females, representing 49 percent.
A further breakdown of the data indicates that 52.5 percent of participants were looking for employment, while 20 percent were looking for training and entrepreneurship. Some 14.5 percent were in search for training in digital economy and technology. It has so far improved entrepreneurial skills of 49 percent and employability skills for 58 percent of participants
