Bono and Ahafo regions contribute 80% of illegal migration - Migrant Watch

Latest statistics from Migrant Watch and Skilled Revolution Front (MWSRF) has shown that many Ghanaians who travel outside Ghana to search for greener pastures are from the Bono and Ahafo regions.

According to the Administrative Director of Migrant Watch, Samuel Hackman, the 2 regions contribute 80% of illegal migration.

Speaking at a symposium on ILO Convention 189, organized by Migrant Watch and funded by OSIWA (Open Society Foundation) in Accra on Tuesday, February 22, Mr Hackman said, "Based on statistics, 80 out of 100 are from Brong Ahafo region and they account for 80% of irregular migration and also the region with high remittance.

He added that, Migrant watch is doing a national awareness campaign against the menace of which they started from Jaman South in the Bono Region."

He stated that key stakeholders - Ghana Immigration Service, Social Welfare, District assemblies, Traditional leaders, among others rally together to educate the populace on illegal migration.

Head of Public Affairs at Migrant Watch, Peter Mensah, speaking at the same event said it's about time government allows licensed recruitment agencies operate to help curb this growing menace.

"There are licensed recruitment agencies that operate under law, if we give them the room to fully operate, this irregular migration problem would be stopped," he said.

He added that, mostly, it's the unlicensed recruiting agencies who do not comply to the ILO Convention 189, thereby making most domestic workers they recruit become victims of abuse.

Migrant Watch and Skilled Revolution Front aims at building the capacity of the returned migrants economically through psycho-social counselling, skilled trainings and provision of working tools.

The recent initiative the organisation embarked on was funded by OSIWA, which has enable about 50 returnees go through skills training program and have been given the needed materials and tools to start a new life across the country.