The final stop on my working visits on Thursday was the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, led by the Minister, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo. This was another opportunity to engage a Ministry’s leadership and receive a comprehensive briefing on its mission, current projects, and challenges.
The Ministry outlined its broad responsibilities, which span employment support for school leavers and the employed, as well as pension administration. Under labour administration, the Ministry has commissioned the Ghana Labour Market Information System to improve data-driven decision-making. Work has also commenced on a new Labour Bill to align Ghana’s labour framework with the 24-Hour Economy policy. In addition, the Ministry has conducted workplace inspections to assess working conditions, promote industrial harmony, and prevent labour disputes.
Other key initiatives include promoting bilateral labour migration agreements, organising annual labour conferences to engage social partners and stakeholders, and implementing international labour programmes. The Ministry also plays a central role in independent wage administration and the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards through the OSH Division.
Challenges identified during the engagement included finances, retaining 100% of Internally Generated Funds, and expanding the OSH Division’s operational capacity to enforce safe and decent working conditions nationwide.
I thanked them for the warm reception and commended the Ministry for its dedication. Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, will continue to support the Ministry in closing existing gaps and improving outcomes for Ghanaian workers. We must raise the quality of life of workers, whose labour remains critical to national development.
I also commended the Minister for his regular visits to Ministry agencies, noting that these engagements strengthen relationships, boost morale, and improve coordination. I stressed the need to grow the economy to expand national resources, enhance training opportunities, and improve worker welfare. I further made it clear that Government will not tolerate the abuse of workers and encouraged the Ministry and its agencies to confront challenges with resolve as we continue to move toward decent work for all.
