Spanish Embassy in Ghana is to collaborate with the European Union (EU), to roll out a livelihood empowerment programme for the youth of the Northern region to economically empower them and discourage irregular migration.
The initiative forms part of efforts to minimise irregular migration which has is a major cause of death along the Spanish Coast.
Hundreds of migrants try crossing the Mediterranean into Europe through Spain daily using rickety boats.
Many of these migrants die at sea in their attempt to cross, whilst those who manage to cross find face new challenges of unemployment in foreign lands.
Stakeholders have identified economic challenges on the African continent as the cause of irregular migration.
The Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, José Javier Blanco Navarrete said this during an interaction with officers of the Northern Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service at the Migration Information Centre in Tamale.
He expressed the commitment of the Spanish Government and the European Union towards equipping the youth of the Northern region with employable skills that will provide them with a sustainable source of income.
The interaction formed part of the Ambassador ‘s first visit to the Northern Region.
He also disclosed that, the initiative will sensitize residents of the region to regular ways of migration to address the challenges associated with illegal migration.
The Deputy Regional Commander of Immigration, ACI Francis Yaw Tachie, who welcomed the Ambassador and his entourage to the center, welcomed the livelihoods support initiative as it will support the work of the Ghana Immigration Service.