Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has announced the full implementation of the newly ratified Ghana-Qatar Labour Mobility Agreement, following bilateral engagements in Doha.

The Minister was hosted by Qatar’s Minister for Labour, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, where both leaders affirmed their commitment to expanding employment opportunities for Ghanaian professionals in Qatar.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa expressed appreciation for the warm reception and strong partnership, describing his Qatari counterpart as “a good friend” whose hospitality continues to strengthen relations between the two nations.

The agreement, ratified last week by the Ghanaian Parliament, has now been fully endorsed by both countries, paving the way for coordinated labour recruitment and protection of Ghanaian workers in Qatar.

According to official data from the Qatar Labour Ministry, there are currently about 13,000 Ghanaians working in Qatar. The Ghanaian government aims to double this figure by next year, with a long-term target of 50,000 workers across multiple professional sectors.

As part of the agreement, Ghana will host the first meeting of the Ghana-Qatar Joint Technical Committee in February 2026.

The committee will oversee the implementation process, ensure transparency and guarantee international labour standards.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa assured that the recruitment process will be credible, transparent and fair, providing strong protection for Ghanaian workers.

Beneficiaries will be deployed across high-demand sectors such as aviation, tourism, information technology, logistics, transportation and public health.

He emphasised that the move forms part of the Mahama administration’s broader agenda to create sustainable job opportunities for Ghanaian youth both locally and abroad.

“We will continue to pursue smart policies to create jobs for our young people, whether in Ghana or internationally,” he said.

The agreement is expected to deepen Ghana-Qatar relations while boosting employment prospects for skilled Ghanaian workers in global markets.