The Centre for Migration Studies has joined partners in a national media conversation to mark International Migrants Day 2025, drawing attention to the courage, resilience and development contributions of migrants in Ghana and globally.

The discussion, hosted by Maltiti Sayida Sadick, a Ghanaian journalist, media personality and news anchor, explored the theme “International Migrants Day: The Courage, Resilience and Contributions of Migrants Worldwide.” Panelists included Dr. James Kwame Rajamani, President of Kingdom Exim Group, Ghana, and Dr. Sarah Nyarkoh of the Centre for Migration Studies.

Sharing his personal journey, Dr. Rajamani, an Indian-origin naturalised Ghanaian, reflected on his close to 20 years of living and working in Ghana, describing migration as a process of long-term commitment rather than temporary movement.

He recounted how his decision to settle in Ghana shaped his entrepreneurial path, leading to the establishment and growth of Kingdom Exim Group, a business that contributes to local employment, trade and value chains.

“Migrants do not only cross borders; they invest, build businesses and become part of the social and economic fabric of their host countries,” he said, adding that inclusive societies enable migrants to translate resilience into tangible development outcomes.

Dr. Rajamani stressed that his experience mirrors that of many migrants whose contributions often go unnoticed in public discourse, despite their role in job creation, skills transfer and economic diversification.

Contributing to the discussion, Dr. Sarah Nyarkoh emphasised the importance of evidence, data and public understanding in shaping fair and effective migration governance.

She noted that CMS plays a critical role in generating research that informs how migration intersects with labour markets, climate change, urbanisation, gender and social protection, ensuring that policies respond to real migrant experiences rather than assumptions.

“One of the Centre’s key contributions is translating research into practical tools that help policymakers, institutions and the public better understand migration realities and migrant contributions,” she explained.

Dr. Nyarkoh highlighted CMS’ work in migration data production, policy analysis and capacity-building, including support for institutions working on labour mobility, trafficking in persons, forced displacement and migrant inclusion.

She added that CMS’ engagement goes beyond academia, noting its involvement in public dialogue, media engagement and community-level conversations that help counter misinformation and promote balanced narratives on migration.

The discussion underscored the need to move beyond crisis-driven narratives and recognise migrants as active contributors to development, innovation and social cohesion.

International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18, provides a platform for reflection on migrant rights, experiences and contributions worldwide. The 2025 national conversation reinforced the role of research institutions, private sector actors and the media in shaping informed and inclusive migration discourse in Ghana.