Ghana Will Pursue Economic Diplomacy to Create Jobs for Ghanaians: Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has promised to leverage the country’s foreign policy to tackle one of the nation’s most pressing issues: unemployment.

In a recent address before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Ablakwa explained that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under former President John Dramani Mahama, will prioritize economic diplomacy as a key tool to create job opportunities for Ghanaians.

Ablakwa acknowledged the challenges faced by many Ghanaians seeking employment abroad, particularly those who fall victim to exploitation and abuse in foreign countries.

He criticized the current state of international labor recruitment, where some agencies send young Ghanaians to countries where they are mistreated, knowing there are few consequences for such actions.

“I have seen first-hand how some agencies exploit our youth, sending them to countries where they face abuse because there are no repercussions,” Ablakwa said.

“That will change under my leadership. We will pursue aggressive economic diplomacy to ensure that Ghanaian talent is sought after globally, and that it is done through formal and regulated channels.”

Ablakwa highlighted the significant demand for Ghanaian professionals in several countries, including nurses, teachers, domestic workers, and artisans.

He emphasized that Ghana’s foreign policy will work to establish bilateral agreements with these nations, ensuring that Ghanaian workers are treated with respect and dignity, and are protected from exploitation.

“Many countries are in need of Ghanaian human resources, and we should take advantage of this demand to address our unemployment crisis,” he said.

“We will regulate the process so that what is happening in the Gulf, where Ghanaians are being mistreated, is no longer an issue.

If receiving countries know that their workers are coming from formal, regulated agreements, they will be more mindful of how they treat them.”

Ablakwa’s vision for economic diplomacy involves not only addressing unemployment but also ensuring the safety and well-being of Ghanaians working abroad.

Under his leadership, he promised that foreign policy would play a central role in improving the livelihoods of the nation’s citizens.

With this approach, the incoming Foreign Minister aims to bring a fresh perspective to Ghana’s foreign relations, with a focus on sustainable employment opportunities and fair treatment for Ghanaians on the global stage.