Mahama urges stronger local job creation to tackle irregular migration

President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to create sustainable local opportunities for Ghanaian youth, as a strategy to curb irregular migration.

During a farewell meeting with outgoing German Ambassador Daniel Krull, Mahama discussed Ghana’s ongoing partnerships with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU).

He stressed that empowering young people with viable economic options at home is the key to discouraging risky journeys across the Sahara and the Mediterranean.

“We must work together to create sustainable local opportunities for our young people,” Mahama said. “That’s how we reduce the temptation of perilous migration.”

Their discussion also touched on regional security threats, particularly the rise in terrorism in the Sahel. Mahama affirmed Ghana’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Germany on capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening security in the sub-region.

Reflecting on Ambassador Krull’s four-year tenure, Mahama praised the diplomat for advancing Ghana-Germany relations. He expressed appreciation for Germany’s support for security institutions, notably the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.

Mahama later shared the outcome of the meeting in a Facebook post, describing it as productive and forward-looking.