In August 2025, around 40 PEC staff attended a capacity-building workshop in Prampram, Ghana, under the ILO’s FAIR III Ghana Component, supported by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The training enhanced skills in fair recruitment, labour migration counselling, and advisory services, enabling participants to provide more consistent, ethical, and effective support to job seekers and migrant workers.

This four-day workshop, held by ILO from August 4th to 7th, aimed at enhancing their understanding of fair recruitment practices. Around 40 participants from public employment centres (PECs) across the country embraced the chance to engage in practical exercises, share experiences, and reflect on the challenges of labour migration and fair recruitment.

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Lawrence Simpi on behalf of the Chief Labour Officer, who encouraged participants to be open and share their experiences. “We must commit to sharing our experiences openly so that we can be equipped with new skills and knowledge to improve our service delivery to job seekers and potential migrant workers,” he said. His words set a tone of responsibility and collaboration, reminding attendees of the critical role they play in protecting Ghanaians navigating employment opportunities abroad.

Madam Jamila Ahmed, a Director at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, highlighted the timing and importance of the workshop. “This initiative comes at a crucial time,” she noted. “The government is introducing measures to boost job creation and support labour migration. Strengthening your capacity ensures these policies translate into real benefits for workers.”

Kamil Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of the FAIR III component in Ghana, delivered a speech on behalf of the Director of the ILO Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Liaison Office for ECOWAS. He emphasized the ethical and practical stakes of their work. “The ILO’s FAIR Programme is based on a simple belief: no worker should have to pay for a job,” he said. “Unfair recruitment practices burden workers with debt, trap them in vulnerable situations, and undermine decent work. By giving you the tools, knowledge, and approaches to provide reliable and ethical services, we are addressing this issue at its root.” His message inspired participants to engage fully in the sessions ahead.

Over the four days, participants explored a wide range of topics, including fair recruitment principles, conducting diagnostic interviews with job seekers, advising on migration, and using digital tools to support job search. The sessions emphasized hands-on practice and peer learning, allowing participants to tackle real-world scenarios while learning from one another.

The workshop also highlighted the value of digital resources and data-driven guidance, including Ghana’s Labour Market Information System (GLMIS). Participants left with the ability to provide timely, reliable information to workers navigating the complexities of both domestic and international employment.

This initiative represents a strategic investment in human capacity. By strengthening PEC officers’ skills and promoting fair recruitment practices, the programme contributes to the protection of migrant workers and the broader goal of fair labour practices in Ghana.