Economic Support for Migrant Returnees in Ghana
In 2024, a significant number of migrant returnees in Ghana received economic support aimed at fostering their financial resilience. Specifically, out of 1,723 returnees, 937 individuals were provided with assistance by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ghana. This support included vocational tools, equipment for income-generating activities, and start-up kits designed to help them launch micro-businesses and achieve long-term financial sustainability.
This information was detailed in the IOM Ghana’s 2024 Annual Overview of Returns and Reintegration report. The report offers a comprehensive review of migration trends and reintegration efforts within the country. It highlights the profiles of return migrants, their migration journeys, and the various forms of assistance provided throughout the year.
The report also noted that 630 returnee migrants received psychosocial assistance in 2024. This support included counseling services, trauma healing sessions, and community-based initiatives aimed at helping returnees reintegrate into their families and communities. These efforts were crucial in addressing the emotional and psychological challenges faced by many returnees.
Additionally, 73 returnees received social assistance, which targeted the most vulnerable individuals. This assistance included temporary housing support, access to basic healthcare, educational support for dependents, and referrals to social welfare services. The goal was to help these individuals stabilize their lives after returning to Ghana.
Reintegration Efforts and Training Initiatives
On the topic of reintegration, the report stated that “In 2024, IOM provided substantial support to returning migrants through a total of 1,222 reintegration activities.” These activities included microbusiness initiatives, psychosocial counseling, and vocational skills training. The IOM employed two key approaches—Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR)—to ensure that return migration was safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable.
A recent capacity-building training for journalists and media practitioners in northern Ghana, organized by the IOM, raised concerns about the high rate of irregular migration. The training emphasized the importance of regular migration routes to protect the dignity and safety of migrants. It also highlighted the role of the media in educating the public about the risks associated with irregular migration.
The training was part of the “ATUU – A Ghanaian-European Safe and Prosperous People’s Mobility Project on Migration Governance” project, supported by the European Union Delegation in Ghana. The initiative focused on promoting accurate, ethical, and human-centered reporting on migration issues.
Factors Driving Migration and Media Responsibility
Dr. Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNiMAC), discussed the drivers of migration, referencing the IOM Ghana report. According to the report, economic factors were the primary motivation for migration, with approximately 60% of returnees stating they left Ghana in search of better employment opportunities.
The report also indicated that 51% of returnee migrants cited unstable living conditions as a reason for leaving, while 49% pointed to unemployment. Dr. Tindi urged the media to be well-informed about migration issues to ensure effective reporting. He emphasized the need to dispel the myth of greener pastures abroad and encourage regular migration when necessary.
Conclusion
The IOM Ghana’s 2024 report underscores the importance of structured reintegration programs and the role of media in shaping public perception about migration. As the country continues to address the challenges of irregular migration, the collaboration between organizations like the IOM and the media remains essential in promoting safe and sustainable migration practices.