Accra: Twenty-three Ghanaian migrant returnees have successfully completed a six-month logistics training programme aimed at facilitating their reintegration and enhancing their access to sustainable livelihoods. The initiative, known as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)-DHL Ubuntu Academy, celebrated its first cohort's graduation in Accra. This training was conducted in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, the IOM Chief of Mission for Ghana, Togo, and Benin, emphasized the importance of robust public-private partnerships in equipping returnees and other vulnerable groups with the necessary skills and economic opportunities. She highlighted that private sector involvement in reintegration efforts could foster economic inclusion, reduce vulnerability, and promote social cohesion.
"This initiative would not have been possible without the strong collaboration between IOM, DHL, and the Youth Employment Agency. Together, we demonstrate that reintegration is most effective when public institutions, the private sector, and international organisations work hand in hand," Ms. Ndiaye stated. She commended DHL for its investment in skill development and its commitment to creating opportunities that aid in the reintegration of migrant returnees.
Ms. Regina Wireku-Thompson, Deputy Director, Technical and Partnerships of the Labour Exchange Programme at YEA, discussed the challenges faced by returnees, who often grapple with uncertainty and fear about their future upon returning to Ghana. "They return with a lot of fear of what could happen to them. Are they going to be able to survive? So when IOM helps them to return, we do not want to leave them on their own," she explained.
Ms. Wireku-Thompson noted that the logistics training is one of several opportunities available to returnees, with participation based on individual choice. She stressed the necessity of private sector partnerships in creating sustainable employment opportunities for returning migrants. "If we do not partner with the private sector, it becomes very difficult to get things done because government and development partners cannot handle it alone," she added. She urged more employers to collaborate with YEA to expand opportunities for returnees.
Furthermore, Ms. Wireku-Thompson revealed that YEA had conducted a 16-region outreach programme to educate young Ghanaians about employment opportunities under its Labour Exchange Programme and the risks associated with irregular migration.
Mr. Sulema Futa, Head of Human Resource at DHL, emphasized the business sector's responsibility in developing skilled and inclusive workforces. He noted that the Ubuntu Academy exposed participants to industry knowledge, standards, and workplace experiences to better prepare them for the job market. Mr. Futa pointed out that while technical skills open up opportunities across various sectors, professionalism, teamwork, communication, punctuality, adaptability, and integrity are equally crucial for sustained career growth.
Ms. Joana Dela Edem Akapko, a graduate of the programme, expressed her gratitude to IOM, DHL, YEA, and other partners for the opportunity. She stated that the training equipped participants with skills that they could further develop, and the knowledge gained would support their reintegration and provide pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: 'Empowering Returnees through Skills, Dignity and Opportunity: Accelerating the Success of the IOM-DHL Ubuntu Academy Graduates.' As part of DHL's support, 16 laptops were donated to IOM to bolster the Ubuntu Academy and improve beneficiaries' access to digital learning resources.