Ghana’s efforts to expand international employment opportunities for its citizens have received a major boost as Qatar has expressed strong interest in recruiting more Ghanaian professionals across multiple sectors. This follows a high-level meeting between Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Her Excellency Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Undersecretary of the Qatar Ministry of Labour.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the engagement forms part of Ghana’s renewed Labour Export Programme, which aims to create strategic partnerships that open doors for Ghanaian skilled workers abroad. Qatar has indicated its readiness to immediately recruit Ghanaian professionals in key sectors including health, tourism, information technology, transport and logistics.
In a significant development, both nations are preparing to formalize their labour cooperation framework. Qatar has already ratified the labour cooperation agreement between the two countries, with Ghana’s Parliament expected to complete its ratification in the coming weeks. The agreement is expected to streamline labour mobility, protect worker welfare and expand employment quotas for Ghanaian expatriates.
Ghana has also proposed that Qatar establishes its West African Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) in Accra to serve as a regional hub for labour processes, documentation and mobility. Such a centre would simplify the recruitment pathway and reduce processing times for Ghanaian workers seeking employment in Qatar.
Qatari authorities commended Ghanaian workers for their exceptional work ethic and professionalism—attributes consistently highlighted by Qatari business leaders. This positive reputation is one of the driving forces behind Qatar’s decision to deepen labour cooperation with Ghana.
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that the Mahama administration remains committed to creating opportunities for the Ghanaian youth both locally and internationally through smart, pragmatic and forward-looking policies. The strengthened partnership with Qatar, he noted, is an important step toward expanding high-quality employment prospects for Ghana’s growing workforce.
Further engagements between sector ministries and Qatari officials are expected in the coming days as the two countries work toward full implementation of the new labour cooperation initiatives.
