Ghana and Barbados are advancing discussions on a labour exchange program aimed at addressing Barbados’ workforce shortages while providing employment opportunities for skilled Ghanaians.
This initiative was a key focus during a meeting between H.E. Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, Commissioner of Barbados, and Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, in Accra.
With high graduate unemployment in Ghana and labour shortages in Barbados, the two nations are exploring structured solutions that allow skilled Ghanaian professionals to work in Barbados’ critical sectors, such as healthcare, education, engineering, and economics.
“This initiative will create mutually beneficial opportunities—Ghanaians will find meaningful employment, and Barbados will gain the skilled workers needed to boost its economy,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
Commissioner Bynoe-Sutherland welcomed the proposal, pointing to previous collaborations, such as the 2019 export of Ghanaian nurses to Barbados, as a strong foundation for expanding labour cooperation. She outlined key areas of demand, including medical specialists, educators, statisticians, and renewable energy experts.
To solidify this partnership, Ghana has proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Bilateral Agreement, which aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to addressing workforce challenges.
Additionally, Dr. Pelpuo announced plans to review Ghana’s Labour Act to accommodate technological advancements and Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring that Ghana’s workforce remains competitive in the evolving job market.
The meeting concluded with both nations committing to formalizing the labour exchange program in the coming months, marking a new chapter in Ghana-Barbados relations. The anticipated signing of an agreement is expected to pave the way for a structured and sustainable employment framework benefiting both countries.
