IOM Ghana Marks International Migrants’ Day 2025 Highlighting Migration’s Role in Cultures and Development

Observed annually on 18 December, International Migrants’ Day provides an opportunity to recognize migration as a powerful driver of development when it is safe, orderly, and well governed. In Ghana, migration connects cultures, transfers skills, strengthens communities, and supports national growth.

As part of this year’s commemoration, IOM Ghana, in collaboration with key government and development partners, is implementing a series of strategic activities that reflect how migration stories translate into development outcomes.

A key highlight is the official launch of the Community Engagement and Policing (CEP) Strategy, Curriculum, and Training Manual, implemented with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). The CEP framework promotes trust, dialogue, and people-centred approaches between border communities and law enforcement, strengthening social cohesion, human security, and safer mobility in border areas.

IOM Ghana is also convening a Migration Data Dialogue with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) under the theme “My Great Story: Data and Development.” The dialogue showcases progress made in harmonizing migration data, integrating datasets into the GSS Stats Bank, and strengthening evidence-based migration governance through the Migration Data Technical Working Group.

In the lead-up to IMD, IOM Ghana has rolled out the “18 Days, 18 Stories” social media campaign, sharing real-life stories of migrants, returnees, and diaspora members. The campaign humanizes migration by highlighting resilience, skills transfer, reintegration journeys, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.

Additionally, IOM Ghana is participating in the National Diaspora Summit, contributing to a panel discussion on “The Role of the Diaspora in the National Development Agenda.” The discussion emphasizes how diaspora engagement through remittances, investment, innovation, and knowledge exchange continues to support Ghana’s development.

Through these activities, IOM Ghana reaffirms its commitment to strengthening migration governance, amplifying migrant voices, and ensuring that migration contributes meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable development.