On Friday, 29^th September, 2023, the third and final phase 111 of the Integrated Program on Recruitment (FAIR) in Ghana was launched in Accra.

The integrated programme on Fair Recruitment is a global programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO) established in 2015 and developed though three phases. The phase 1 commenced from (2015-2018), phase 11 from (2018-2022) and phase 111 from (2022-2025).

The International Labour Organization programme is dedicated to implementing the ILO FAIR Recruitment Initiative (FRI) Strategy with focus on promoting fair recruitment practice globally and in selected countries of origin and destination across specific migration countries.

Speaking at the launch of the FAIR programme, the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, disclosed that Ghana is a country of destination for about 467,000 migrants representing (47%) of women and at least 76% coming from other West African countries. According to him, these migrants are recorded in areas of mines, plantation and trade which are key employing sectors.

He revealed further that Ghana is also a country of origin for about 971,000 Ghanaian migrants’ abroad, representing 47% women at least 45% in other West African countries, 18% in the United States and 15% in the United Kingdom.

Hon. Baffour Awuah, pointed out that until recently, more Ghanaians have been migrating to the Arab states in search of work, adding that incessant reportage on human right abuses and infringement of female workers to the Gulf States necessitated the placement of a ban on the direct to home export of labour by the Ghanaian government.

The Minister said even though government over the years have made effort to regulate and optimize labour and citizens, several challenges continue to exist, which required renewed attention, innovation and strategies to address them effectively.

In order to curb labour migration and its associated problems, the Hon. Minister said, the Ghanaian government has developed sector specific National Labour Migration Policy to protect migrant workers abroad, adding that the policy has helped both Ghana and destination countries to enter into Bilateral Agreement.

The ILO Project Director, Mr.Kwame Mensah, in his remarks said the launch is the beginning of an important phase in the FAIR Programme journey towards fair recruitment and protective of the rights of migrant workers.

He said the FAIR programme has been working diligently since 2015 to promote fair recruitment practice worldwide and that, the launch of the phase 111 of the FAIR programe is long overdue.

Mr. Mensah said to achieve the said objectives, the program aligns to four pillars including enhancing global knowledge and policy guidance, improving legal frameworks and enforcement, expanding fair business practice and enhancing access to information and services.

The Phase 111 of the Fair programme is supported by the Swiss Development cooperation and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, he stated.