To mark International Migrants’ Day 2024, the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Development (GEC) last week hosted the Migration 360 Open Day in Accra.
The exhibition showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of 50 returned migrants and beneficiaries of GEC programmes, offering them a platform to exhibit and market their products and services.
The open day also provided an opportunity for the Centre’s partners to engage with the public, share valuable information, and highlight their services in supporting migration, skills development, and employment opportunities.
This year’s International Migrants’ Day theme, “Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights,” underscores the essential role migrants play in fostering societal and economic growth. It also serves as a powerful reminder to protect and uphold their rights globally.
Through events like the Migration 360 open day, GEC highlights and celebrates the contributions of its beneficiaries to Ghana’s economic development, particularly through their small and micro enterprises.
Since 2017, the Ghanaian-European Centre, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has been instrumental in transforming lives.
To date, the Centre has provided over 70,500 support measures for returned migrants and local populations, facilitating skills development, training, and business start-up support. Remarkably, over 7,370 individuals have secured meaningful employment through GEC interventions.
Building on these successes, the Centre has adopted a holistic approach to migration, addressing critical information gaps and creating pathways for regular migration for work and school.
This approach ensures that Ghana’s skilled workforce can seize international opportunities while contributing to economic development both abroad and upon their return.
“Well-managed migration can transform economies,” said Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre. “By sharing the right information and paving the way for work and study opportunities, we create chances for ambitious Ghanaians to explore, grow, and thrive abroad. When they return, their skills and experiences spark new ideas, innovation, and growth for the entire nation.”
The GEC’s collaboration with the Government of Ghana has also strengthened national capacity in areas such as labour migration, reintegration, and employment promotion.
By supporting institutions like the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Labour Department, the Centre has contributed to creating sustainable systems that empower both migrants and local workers.
International Migrants’ Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 4, 2000, is observed annually on December 18.
The day recognizes the journeys of millions who cross borders in search of better opportunities, highlights their positive contributions, and sheds light on the challenges they face.
