By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor
Accra, June 23, GNA – The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Migration Ghana (CCMG) has intensified advocacy for Ghana to ratify the African Union (AU) Free Movement Protocol, describing it as a critical instrument for promoting labour mobility, regional integration, trade and economic development across the continent.
The call was made during a high-level policy dialogue and screening of the documentary, “Omo Ghana-Man for Chop” in Accra.
The event was organised by CCMG in collaboration with the Programme Shaping Development-Orientated Migration (MEG), implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and AI Media.
Mr Andreas Berding, Head of Programme at GIZ, said migration governance across the world was increasingly being influenced by restrictive border controls, tighter visa regimes, and concerns about irregular migration and security.
He noted, however, that evidence continues to show that well-managed migration contributes significantly to economic growth, labour market development, skills transfer, innovation, trade and regional integration.
Mr Berding said facilitating safe, regular and orderly migration was critical to advancing Africa’s economic transformation agenda and achieving the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He explained that the AU adopted the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment in 2018 to facilitate the movement of people, labour, skills and services across Africa.
He described the protocol as a key framework for strengthening regional integration and unlocking the economic benefits of a more connected continent, but noted that the low rate of ratification among member states continues to hinder its full implementation.
Mr Eric Peasah, Director of Right To Be Free, said Ghana had demonstrated commitment to regional integration through initiatives such as the ECOWAS free movement arrangement and visa facilitation measures.
He, however, indicated that although Ghana had signed the AU Free Movement Protocol, it was yet to ratify it.
Mr Peasah stressed the role of civil society organisations in promoting public awareness, policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement on migration governance, adding that CCMG and its partners were working to build public and political support for the protocol’s ratification and implementation.
Mr Oliver Safo, Technical Director of AI Media, said the screening of “Omo Ghana-Man for Chop” was aimed at stimulating discussions on migration, identity, mobility and regional integration.
He explained that the documentary explored historical and contemporary migration experiences between Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting the resilience of migrants and the importance of reintegration.
Mr Safo added that the film also served as a precursor to an upcoming documentary titled, “No Borders,” which would further explore migration and mobility issues across Africa.
Participants at the dialogue underscored the need for intensified public education on migration and stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organisations and development partners to promote safe and development-oriented migration across the continent.
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor
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