Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum signs MoU to recruit 5,000 workers for Dubai

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masa Depan Building Maintenance L.L.C., a United Arab Emirates-based firm. This agreement facilitates the recruitment of approximately 5,000 Ghanaian workers for various construction and maintenance roles within Dubai. The initiative is designed to create a structured and safe pathway for labour migration, addressing domestic unemployment while ensuring the protection of Ghanaian citizens working abroad.

The recruitment process will be conducted in phases, beginning with an initial group of 500 workers. Under the terms of the agreement, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment will maintain strict oversight of the selection and recruitment procedures to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation. Conversely, Masa Depan Building Maintenance L.L.C. will be responsible for managing all employment logistics, including the costs associated with recruitment and the ongoing welfare of the workers once they are stationed in the UAE.

To safeguard the rights of the recruits, a Joint Working Committee will be established to monitor working conditions and resolve any disputes that may arise. This committee will also play a critical role in facilitating skills transfer, ensuring that workers acquire valuable technical experience during their tenure. Furthermore, the agreement includes provisions for the orderly reintegration of workers into the Ghanaian labour market upon the completion of their contracts, allowing the nation to benefit from the expertise they gained abroad.

This partnership marks a significant step in the government's strategy to expand international job opportunities for its workforce through formal bilateral arrangements. By shifting away from unregulated migration, the Ministry aims to minimize the risks often faced by Ghanaians seeking employment in the Gulf region. The successful implementation of this project is expected to serve as a model for future labour agreements with other international partners, potentially broadening the scope of Ghana's global economic contributions.