Fiapre: The Ghana European Center for Jobs, Migration and Development (GEC) of GIZ Ghana has urged graduates to capitalize on the German Opportunity Card and the European Union (EU) Blue Card to facilitate their travel and employment abroad.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Dennis Benneh Diawuo, the Technical Adviser at the GEC, emphasized that these Cards provide a streamlined avenue for graduates and youth with the necessary skills training, academic, and professional certifications to obtain visas, simplifying their journey to Europe for work opportunities. He shared these insights in an interview during the 2026 celebration of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) international day, held at Fiapre near Sunyani.
Mr. Diawuo underscored the risks associated with attempting to reach Europe via dangerous routes such as the desert and high seas. He highlighted that the availability of these Cards significantly reduces the challenges of acquiring visas and traveling legally for employment purposes. He advised against irregular migration, noting the numerous dangers it poses to migrants.
The international event, themed 'Local Industries, Global Futures: Youth Mobility and International Partnerships', was organized by GEC in collaboration with UENR. It aimed to celebrate cultural diversity, promote international education, regular migration pathways, academic exchanges, and global partnerships, attracting participants, including foreign students from Ethiopia and Germany.
Mr. Diawuo urged the youth to consider the risks of unauthorized travel and to utilize available services for legitimate travel opportunities and guidance, which are provided free of charge. He expressed concerns over the increasing trend of irregular migration among the youth in the Bono Region.
Further, Mr. Diawuo mentioned GEC's collaboration with the Labour Department, advising those outside Accra to reach out to regional Labour Departments for GEC's services. GEC remains committed to promoting informed migration and fostering international mobility.
Professor Amos Kabo-Bah, the Dean of International Relations at UENR, pointed out that in addition to academic pursuits, exposing students to international opportunities is crucial for developing innovative ideas. He acknowledged that while some students possess entrepreneurial ideas, they need platforms to develop, pitch, and refine these concepts, ultimately encouraging them to engage with the private sector and create self-employment opportunities.