By Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in Ghana is in talks with labor export companies to bolster its Work Abroad initiative, a program designed to connect Ghanaian youth with international job opportunities. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to provide young Ghanaians with exposure to global markets, employable skills, and better job prospects while ensuring their dignity and security abroad.
However, as the program gains momentum, it has sparked a heated debate about whether this approach truly serves Ghana’s long-term interests or simply perpetuates reliance on foreign economies.
The Work Abroad Initiative: A Closer Look
The YEA’s Work Abroad program, as outlined on its official website (www.yea.gov.gh), operates in three stages: preparation, deployment, and reintegration. It targets Ghanaian youth with the right qualifications, skills, and attitudes, preparing them for placement with foreign employers. The program also seeks to promote safe and orderly labor migration, reduce poverty among vulnerable youth, and facilitate their reintegration into Ghanaian society upon return.
By partnering with Ghana Missions abroad, foreign missions in Ghana, and other stakeholders, the YEA aims to position itself as a model for labor export, ensuring that young Ghanaians are not exploited in irregular migration schemes.
Malik Basintale, the recently appointed CEO of the YEA and a former Deputy National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been a vocal advocate for addressing youth unemployment. In January 2025, Basintale described unemployment as a “national security threat” during his first day as CEO, according to MyNewsGH.
His leadership has been met with enthusiasm from NDC youth, who see him as a grassroots leader committed to job creation. The Work Abroad initiative aligns with his vision, aiming to provide immediate opportunities for Ghanaian youth while addressing the country’s unemployment crisis.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Opportunity and Independence
The YEA’s Work Abroad initiative is not without merit. For many young Ghanaians, the opportunity to work abroad offers a lifeline in a country where unemployment remains a persistent challenge. The program’s emphasis on safe migration and skill acquisition could also empower returnees to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
However, the initiative raises broader questions about the government’s long-term strategy for economic growth. As highlighted in a Brookings Institute report on Ghana’s growth and job challenges, sustainable development requires addressing structural issues such as education, infrastructure, and industrial policy—areas where Ghana has historically lagged.
The NDC’s shift in stance, as pointed out by Carl Reese, also underscores the political dimensions of the debate. While the party criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for youth migration in previous years, its current support for labor export programs suggests a pragmatic, if not opportunistic, approach to governance. The repackaging of existing initiatives, such as the embedded chip passports mentioned by Reese, further fuels skepticism about the government’s commitment to innovation.
A Path Forward for Ghana
The YEA’s Work Abroad initiative highlights the complex trade-offs facing Ghana as it navigates youth unemployment and economic development. While the program offers immediate relief for some, it risks perpetuating a cycle of dependency on foreign economies—a cycle that Burkina Faso’s Traoré has actively sought to break. For Ghana to achieve sustainable growth, the government must balance short-term solutions like labor export with long-term investments in local industries, education, and infrastructure.
As Malik Basintale leads the YEA into this new chapter, he faces the challenge of proving that the Work Abroad initiative is more than a stopgap measure. By learning from neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and prioritizing self-sufficiency, Ghana can create a future where its youth no longer need to look abroad for opportunities. Until then, the debate over labor export will remain a contentious issue, reflecting the broader struggle for economic independence in a globalized world.
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