Accra: Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Migration in Ghana: The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Migration in Ghana has urged a shift in migration governance towards a rights-based framework and is advocating policy reforms that align with national development goals. The Coalition, made up of experts, advocated inclusive, strategic migration policies to enhance economic growth, regional integration, and human rights protections.
According to Ghana News Agency, as a Champion Country for the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), Ghana has made significant strides and is playing a key role in shaping migration governance across Africa. Despite existing frameworks, challenges such as fragmented institutional coordination, weak policy implementation, and insufficient protections for vulnerable groups persist. The CSOs argued that migration should be seen as a development catalyst, not a crisis, urging policymakers to update Ghana's National Migration Policy to reflect current realities.
This was the central message of a three-day Round Table Dialogue on Migration Governance in Ghana, held in Ada, where key stakeholders from government, academia, the private sector, and diaspora communities convened. The dialogue, themed 'Migration Governance in Ghana: An Introspective and Strategic Approach,' was supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) under the Shaping Development-Oriented Migration (MEG-Ghana) Programme.
In their communique, the coalition underscored the multi-dimensional nature of migration, affecting human rights, security, development, and diplomacy. Participants acknowledged that migration dynamics had grown increasingly complex, demanding timely policy introspection and recalibration. A key takeaway was Ghana's commitment as a Champion Country for GCM and its role in implementing inclusive, rights-based migration policies.
The communique affirmed, 'migration governance should not be framed as a crisis. Rather, it must be harnessed as a development lever for national growth and regional integration.' To bolster migration governance, the coalition called for urgent policy updates, including a review of the 2016 National Migration Policy, with greater CSO and diaspora involvement. It also proposed the establishment of a National Commission on Migration (GNCM) to streamline coordination and implementation efforts.
'Fragmented institutional coordination and weak policy implementation remain major challenges. We must harmonise Ghana's immigration laws with regional and global frameworks,' the communique stated. The dialogue urged authorities to review the Ghana Immigration Act of 2000 and the Labour Act to ensure fit-for-purpose migration policies. Reliable migration data was identified as crucial for effective policy development.
The coalition proposed the creation of a National Migration Observatory to centralise and analyse migration data. Additionally, institutionalised dialogue and data-sharing frameworks between government and CSOs were recommended. The communique highlighted the immense contributions of diaspora communities to Ghana's development. Participants called for a revitalisation of rights-based principles in the Diaspora Engagement Policy, as well as the creation of a Diaspora Fund to support national initiatives.
'Brain circulation, rather than brain drain, must be encouraged. The diaspora plays a vital role in knowledge transfer and investments.' The coalition stressed the need to safeguard vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Another key recommendation was the finalisation and operationalisation of a National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to ensure comprehensive support for migrants.
To enhance Ghana's leadership in African migration governance, participants advocated accelerated ratification of AU Free Movement Protocols and amended ECOWAS free movement agreements. The communique stated, 'Borders should not be barriers but bridges of opportunity. Over-securitisation driven by external narratives must be avoided in favour of African-led migration solutions.'
The coalition encouraged Ghana to reduce donor dependence and create a national financing strategy for migration interventions. It also proposed the inclusion of dedicated budget lines in key ministries. To counter prevailing fear-driven narratives, the CSOs stressed the importance of public campaigns promoting migration as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Media houses were urged to highlight African identity, cohesion, and solidarity, stressing 'Run sustained public campaigns to shift migration discourse from fear and exclusion to opportunity and inclusion.' 'Support media platforms that promote African identity, cohesion, and solidarity.' Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing strategic, inclusive, and African-centered migration governance.
The communique resolved with a call to action, urging government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to invest in and support the implementation of the recommendations.
