By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
Government has announced its intentions of introducing a formal framework aimed at exporting Ghanaian labour to other countries, beginning this year to ensure the safety of citizens and maximise remittances.
According to Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, this initiative under the ‘Ghana Labour Export Programme’ will reduce illegal migration and prevent worker exploitation, leading to a significant increase in remittances and foreign exchange earnings.
Additionally, he noted that it would ensure the establishment of a well-planned system that protects the rights and welfare of workers who intend to seek greener pastures outside the country.
Dr. Forson made this announcement on the floor of parliament when reading the 2025 budget statement themed ‘Resetting the economy for the Ghana we want’.
“Mr. Speaker, beginning this year we will formalise the export of Ghanaian labour to other countries. This will ensure a structured and beneficial system for Ghanaian workers seeking employment abroad and create safer, legal pathways for them to work in foreign countries while protecting their rights and welfare,” he noted.
Potential of remittances
According to the World Bank 2024 Migration and Development Brief, in 2023 sub-Saharan Africa remittance flow reached US$54billion and Ghana was ranked the second-largest recipient of remittances receiving an estimated amount of US$4.6billion.
Considering remittance inflows into the country, it has been described as one of the most significant sources of foreign exchange for developing countries – and it’s not surprising that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) underscores remittances as a significant source of external financing and a major contributor to national income.
In addition, statistics have proven that it often exceeds the traditional sources of external financing such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
