The government is reviewing its reintegration strategy for Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa after assessments revealed that some of the jobs identified for them did not align with their skills and experience.
Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Harold Adlai Agyeman, said the mismatch had prompted authorities to consider alternative forms of support, including entrepreneurship assistance, grants and other livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the launch of DW’s Under the Baobab in Accra, organised in collaboration with Channel One TV, Ambassador Agyeman said the government had initially identified employment opportunities with companies including AirtelTigo and Engineers and Planners.
However, subsequent assessments of the returnees showed that some of the positions were unsuitable for particular individuals.
“Quite a number of the people who came, to be honest, we found that some of the jobs that were on offer, they weren’t suited. And that is the reality of the assessment that was done for some of them,” he said.
He explained that the government was therefore moving beyond a one-size-fits-all employment approach and was working to identify opportunities based on the circumstances and competencies of different groups among the returnees.
Ambassador Agyeman said the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection was also exploring interventions for women returnees, particularly those involved in artisanal activities and other forms of informal work.
Such interventions, he said, could include entrepreneurship support and grants to enable some beneficiaries to establish or expand businesses.
For returnees whose skills and experience make them suitable for formal employment, the government is continuing discussions with private-sector organisations to identify appropriate opportunities.
Ambassador Agyeman stressed that the government’s commitment to supporting the returnees had not changed, although not every beneficiary could necessarily be placed in formal employment.
“The commitment that the government made still stands. A commitment was made that they’ll be helped to find jobs that are suited to their experiences and competence,” he said.
He added that the government regarded the returnees as citizens whose welfare remained a priority and was working to complete the assessment and support process as quickly as possible.
“These are nationals; we feel the same concern that they have. And so we are committed to working with them as urgently as we can to be able to do the completion of those exercises for some,” he said.
