Ghana career and migration fair: Youth urged to solve problems, not just seek job

Over 60 employers from Ghana, Germany and other European nations engaged job seekers at the 2026 Ghana Career and Migration Fair in Takoradi. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss employment opportunities, career development and the skills required for the evolving labor market. Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, stressed the importance of strengthening employment services to connect job seekers with suitable opportunities and help them maximize their potential.

The fair gave participants the chance to learn about career pathways, engage directly with employers, and gain insight into the qualifications and competencies needed in various industries. It also provided a platform for job seekers to explore opportunities beyond conventional routes. Deputy Director-General of the National Service Authority, Fuseini Donkor, highlighted the difficulties young people face when transitioning from education and professional training to the workforce.

His remarks emphasized the need for better alignment between education, skills development, and industry to boost young people's employability.

The fair, taking place amid efforts to equip young people with practical skills aligned with employers' needs, including those requiring specialized technical knowledge and foreign-language proficiency, featured a German Language Skills Training Centre at Takoradi Technical University. This new facility, equipped with 26 computers and offering German instruction from beginner to advanced levels, is set to support sectors like engineering, automotive, construction, and tourism where language skills can enhance employment prospects.

Vice-Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, underscored the significance of this initiative in preparing young people for roles that demand a blend of technical expertise and language skills. The university plans to extend German-language training to artisans at Kokompe, a prominent industrial and automobile repair center in Takoradi, to broaden their skill sets and improve their chances in industries that rely on international collaboration and communication.

Facilitated by the Social Entrepreneurship Hub, the fair attracted key stakeholders, including the German Ambassador to Ghana, Frederik Landshöft, representatives of the European Union Delegation, and other development partners. Their involvement reflects a commitment to enhancing skills development, employment support, and access to career opportunities for young people.

The organizers aim to empower young individuals to take proactive steps in their career development by acquiring relevant skills, identifying available opportunities, and finding practical solutions to community and industry challenges. The fair also stressed the necessity of closer collaboration among educational institutions, employers, and development partners to prepare young people for the competitive job market.