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, 937 out of the total 1,723 returnees benefited from assistance provided 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 stability.
The IOM Ghana’s 2024 Annual Overview of Returns and Reintegration report provides a detailed account of the return migration experience. It outlines the profiles of returning migrants, the routes they took, and the reintegration assistance offered throughout the year. The report also highlights the emotional and psychological challenges faced by returnees, with 630 individuals receiving psychosocial assistance. This included counseling services, trauma healing sessions, and community-based initiatives that helped them reintegrate into family and community life.
Additionally, 73 returnees were provided with social assistance, targeting the most vulnerable among them. This support encompassed temporary housing, access to basic healthcare, educational support for dependents, and referrals to social welfare services. The aim was to help these individuals stabilize their lives after returning to Ghana.
Reintegration Activities and Approaches
The report noted that in 2024, IOM implemented 1,222 reintegration activities, which included microbusiness initiatives, psychosocial counseling, and vocational skills training. These efforts were carried out using two key approaches: the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR). These strategies ensured that the process of return migration was safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable.
During a recent capacity-building training session for journalists and media practitioners in northern Ghana, organized by the IOM, concerns were raised about the high rate of irregular migration. The event emphasized the importance of regular migration channels to protect the dignity and safety of migrants. The training focused on promoting accurate, ethical, and human-centered reporting on migration issues, recognizing the critical role of the media in educating the public about the risks associated with irregular migration.
This initiative was part of the “ATUU – A Ghanaian-European Safe and Prosperous People’s Mobility Project on Migration Governance,” supported by the European Union Delegation in Ghana.
Drivers of Migration and Media Responsibility
Dr. Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNiMAC), highlighted various factors driving migration, including economic, social, political, and environmental influences. According to the report, economic motivations were the most prominent, with approximately 60% of returnees citing the search for better employment opportunities as their primary reason for leaving Ghana.
Furthermore, 51% of returnees reported leaving due to unstable living conditions, while 49% cited unemployment as the main factor. Dr. Tindi urged the media to be well-informed about migration issues to ensure effective and responsible reporting. He emphasized the need to challenge the perception of greener pastures abroad and to promote regular migration as a safer and more sustainable option.
Conclusion
The IOM Ghana’s efforts in supporting returnees through various reintegration programs have played a crucial role in helping individuals rebuild their lives. By addressing both economic and psychosocial needs, these initiatives contribute to the broader goal of creating a safer and more sustainable migration environment. As the media continues to play a vital role in shaping public perception, it is essential for journalists to provide accurate and informed coverage of migration issues to guide individuals toward safer and more viable options.