In a bid to combat rising cases of irregular migration among young people, the Bono Regional Office of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), is preparing to host a major summit focused on the root causes of youth migration from the region.
Described as a “hotspot” for irregular migration, the Bono Region has witnessed worrying trends of youth embarking on perilous journeys abroad, often without proper documentation. The planned summit will aim to curb this trend by offering education, alternative job opportunities, and legal migration pathways.
Mr. Mustapha Omar Copson, Bono Regional Director of the YEA, revealed the initiative during a media briefing in Sunyani. He stressed the need to shift the narrative from escape to empowerment, encouraging young people to either stay and pursue available local opportunities or ensure they migrate through legal and safe channels.
“Too many of our young people are risking their lives for uncertain futures. We must confront the underlying issues and redirect their ambitions with tangible support,” he said.
The summit, he explained, will also serve as a platform for providing accurate information on legal migration processes, thereby reducing the vulnerability of young Ghanaians to abuse, trafficking, and death on dangerous migration routes.
Mr. Copson highlighted that the efforts fall in line with the government’s broader commitment to youth development, stating: “President John Mahama’s administration is passionate about the future of the youth and is actively providing avenues for sustainable livelihoods.”
As part of that vision, YEA has opened a registration portal to connect tech-savvy youth with remote work opportunities. Individuals with basic IT skills are encouraged to apply for online jobs that allow them to work from home, either via yea.gov.gh or by visiting a YEA office for support.
“The IT sector is booming globally. With even basic skills, our youth can tap into international markets. This is why the government will soon roll out its One Million Coders initiative to equip more young people with software development capabilities,” he announced.
Further adding to the skills development drive, Mr. Copson disclosed that the National Apprenticeship Programme is set to launch soon. The programme will not only offer vocational training in high-demand fields such as digital marketing, steel bending, wig and nails fixing, and body makeup, but will also provide start-up capital and training tools to participants.
He urged the youth to take advantage of these initiatives by registering their businesses and participating in the upcoming programmes.
With the summit and employment initiatives on the horizon, the Bono Region is positioning itself not only as a zone of concern but also as a testbed for transformative youth policy—one that tackles migration at its root and builds futures from the ground up.
