Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the country’s engagements with Qatar for visa easing arrangements and Ghana’s labor export program.
The minister stated that he had impactful bilateral engagement with the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi.
He emphasized that these bilateral engagements are targeted at easing visa restrictions, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade, and encouraging tourism between the two nations.
He noted that the negotiations reflect both countries’ commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering greater mobility for businesspeople, tourists, and investors.
The minister expressed his optimism with an expected positive outcome from their negotiations, stating that “a major announcement is expected soon.”
The minister further noted his commendation of Qatar “for their extraordinary diplomatic efforts in negotiating the recent peace deal between Rwanda and DRC.”
Qatar is said to have mediated peace talks between Rwanda and the DR Congo in Doha, partnering with the U.S. to craft the Doha Framework.
The agreement outlines eight protocols on ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and prisoner releases. Though hailed as a milestone, it remains a roadmap requiring further negotiations for lasting stability.
The minister also emphasized that Qatar’s reputation as a peace broker makes it a worthy partner that Ghana will continue to work with.
“As a pacifist nation renowned for UN peace operations, Ghana will continue to support countries with shared values such as Qatar, who are making tremendous and inspiring sacrifices to mediate and broker peace across multiple theaters of conflict.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
With respect to the labor export negotiations, the minister highlighted his meeting with Her Excellency Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Undersecretary of the Qatar Ministry of Labour.
He further explained that Ghana is seeking more strategic partners under the country’s Labor Export Program.
Ghana’s Labor Export Program is a government-led initiative to reduce unemployment by creating structured overseas job opportunities for skilled professionals.
It targets sectors such as healthcare, tourism, IT, transport, and logistics, where global labor shortages exist.
Workers will be recruited under fixed-term contracts, ensuring legal protection and fair treatment.
The program also strengthens bilateral ties, with countries like Qatar already ratifying agreements and praising Ghanaian workers’ high standards.
A national committee oversees implementation while visa facilitation measures are being negotiated.
The program, ultimately, is a scheme that boosts remittances, supports families, and enhances Ghana’s international cooperation, offering workers global exposure and career growth.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed delight in how Qatar has shown keen interest in immediately recruiting Ghanaian professionals across vital sectors such as health, tourism, IT, transport, and logistics.
He noted that this opportunity not only highlights the strong reputation of Ghana’s workforce but also promises to strengthen bilateral ties, create jobs, and enhance economic growth through international cooperation and skills exchange.
“Ghana and Qatar are also set to formalize our labor cooperation. Qatar has already ratified our labor cooperation agreement, with the Ghanaian Parliament expected to ratify it in the next few weeks.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Hon. Ablakwa also stated that Ghana has formally requested that Qatar establish a West African Qatar Visa Center in Accra to enhance labor mobility.
He noted that this center would streamline visa processing, making it easier for Ghanaian professionals to access employment opportunities abroad.
He also emphasized that the initiative reflects Ghana’s commitment to structured labor export while strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting economic growth through international workforce participation.
“Qatar has commended Ghanaian workers for their impressive work ethic and high standards, as confirmed by many Qatari CEOs.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The minister therefore emphasized that “the Mahama administration will keep creating opportunities for the Ghanaian youth both home and abroad through smart and pragmatic policies.”
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