Accra: CAMFED Ghana and partners have called for 'more dignity' for persons employed in green jobs, especially in the sanitation and waste management industry. The organisation urged the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to enforce regulations, which ensured manual workers earned reasonable levels of income, receive appropriate protective clothing, and had access to social protection schemes or pensions.
According to Ghana News Agency, this and other recommendations were captured in the 'Ghana Green Jobs Research Policy Brief' compiled by CAMFED Ghana, in collaboration with the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana. Highlights of the report were presented at a dissemination workshop in Accra, which brought together stakeholders and a section of young people.
The study, among other things, explored opportunities available for 'dignified and fulfilling employment,' and the types of jobs which contributed to reducing human impact on the planet, including mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Data was gathered from 117 participants in four districts and municipalities, including Bole, Kintampo North, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA), and Okaikwei North.
The report established, among others, that Ghanaian youth were interested in white collar green jobs in the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors, which require 'significant technical expertise,' however, the young people did not have an affirmative desire for manual jobs like waste picking. 'While young people harbour high expectations, their career pathway is fraught with multiple obstacles, including lack of social support, challenges in accessing quality education, and training related issues.' it said.
Against this backdrop, CAMFED Ghana called for the creation and implementation of a 'Green Jobs Policy' to increase the quantity and quality of jobs available for the youth. The policy, it noted, should be integrated with global strategies and include specific measures to help young women, marginalised youth, and people living with disabilities to access such jobs.
The research further proposed increased access to quality education at all levels for the youth, supporting climate-smart agriculture, and celebrating the achievements of young people who excel in green jobs. 'Quality education is the foundation of aspirational and skilled green jobs. It is imperative that the government develops a long-term strategy and plan, to enable young people to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills that will help them to achieve their ambitions,' it said.
'In order to add dignity to green jobs in the sanitation and waste management industry, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations must ensure the enforcement of labour regulations with respect to manual workers in waste management.' These interventions, the research recommended, could help change public perception about the desirability of green jobs and help create a demand among young people for such job opportunities.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations defines green jobs as 'decent jobs that contribute to improving the efficiency of energy and raw materials and limiting GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions whilst protecting and restoring ecosystems. They include roles in traditional and emerging sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and ecotourism.
Prof Nana Akua Anyidoho, Associate Professor, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, urged policy makers to consider the recommendations in their planning processes and encouraged the youth to seek information, sharpen their skills, and explore green job opportunities in the various sectors.
