IOM Ghana Marks Int’l Migrants’ Day with Focus on Culture, Data and Development
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana has marked International Migrants’ Day (IMD) 2025 by spotlighting the growing contribution of migrants, returnees and diaspora communities to Ghana’s social, cultural and economic development.
Observed annually on December 18, this year’s commemoration was held under the global theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” which highlights migration as a driver of national development when it is safe, orderly and well governed.
IOM Ghana said migration continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s development by connecting cultures, transferring skills, strengthening communities and supporting economic growth, particularly through remittances, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange.
As part of activities marking the day, IOM Ghana, in collaboration with government institutions and development partners, is rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening migration governance and translating migration stories into measurable development outcomes.
A major highlight is the official launch of the Community Engagement and Policing (CEP) Strategy, Curriculum and Training Manual, implemented with the Ghana Immigration Service. The framework is designed to build trust and cooperation between border communities and law enforcement agencies, promote people-centred policing and enhance human security 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 will showcase progress made in harmonising migration data, integrating migration-related datasets into the GSS Stats Bank and strengthening evidence-based policymaking through the Migration Data Technical Working Group.
In the lead-up to International Migrants’ Day, the organisation has launched an “18 Days, 18 Stories” social media campaign, sharing real-life stories of migrants, returnees and members of the diaspora. The campaign highlights resilience, skills transfer, reintegration, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange, with the aim of humanising migration and shifting public perceptions.
IOM Ghana is also participating in the National Diaspora Summit, where it will contribute to discussions on the role of the diaspora in Ghana’s national development agenda. The engagement will focus on how diaspora contributions through remittances, investment, innovation and knowledge sharing continue to support economic growth and social development.
Through the IMD 2025 activities, IOM Ghana said it is reaffirming its commitment to amplifying migrant voices, strengthening migration governance and ensuring that migration contributes meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable development in Ghana.
