Accra: The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Migration Ghana (CCMG) has intensified advocacy for Ghana to ratify the African Union (AU) Free Movement Protocol, describing it as a critical instrument for promoting labour mobility, regional integration, trade, and economic development across the continent. The call was made during a high-level policy dialogue and screening of the documentary, 'Omo Ghana-Man for Chop' in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was organised by CCMG in collaboration with the Programme Shaping Development-Orientated Migration (MEG), implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and AI Media. Mr Andreas Berding, Head of Programme at GIZ, highlighted that migration governance worldwide is increasingly influenced by restrictive border controls, tighter visa regimes, and concerns about irregular migration and security.
He noted, however, that evidence continues to show that well-managed migration contributes significantly to economic growth, labour market development, skills transfer, innovation, trade, and regional integration. Mr Berding emphasized the importance of facilitating safe, regular, and orderly migration to advance Africa's economic transformation agenda and achieve the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr Berding explained that the AU adopted the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Right of Establishment in 2018 to facilitate the movement of people, labour, skills, and services across Africa. He described the protocol as a key framework for strengthening regional integration and unlocking the economic benefits of a more connected continent, but noted that the low rate of ratification among member states continues to hinder its full implementation.