Many Libyan returnees have returned to Lybia – IOM

Most of the Ghanaian youth who were repatriated from Libya in 2011 have returned again to the country in search for jobs, a research conducted by Macwil Consultancy Services has revealed.

Mr Korsi Ashong, a consultant to the company, said the research was sponsored by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and undertaken in six selected districts in the Northern Region and Brong-Ahafo Region.

The districts are, Tamale Metropolitan Area, Damango in West Gonja District and Karaga Districts in the Northern Region and Techiman, Nkoranza South Municipality and Kintampo North Municipality in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

Mr Ashong said this when addressing a Forum of the ‘Host families’ of the returnees to organise the family members to build a resilient society to manage the returnees at home following the over throw of the late Muammar Al-Quadafi of Libya.

He said available statements on remittances from some financial institutions indicated that many Ghanaians were staying in Libya, while records available at the IOM showed that most of the returnees who registered were from the six districts.

He said the IOM was also assisting the company to organise management training and group development formation for the host families of the returnees after which they would be provided with some capital to begin an enterprise or venture.

Reverend Frank Peprah Twumasi, Chief Executive Officer of Scholars In-Transit, an NGO which seeks to the re-settlement of returnees expressed concern on how some of the youth still embarked on illegal migration in spite of the risks involved.

He said there was the need for parents to encourage their children to further their education rather than aspire for ‘quick money’ through risky ventures.

Rev Twumasi expressed appreciation to the IOM for undertaking development projects to encourage the youth to stay at home and help in national development.