Accra: Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, has expressed his commitment to learning and providing policy direction for the comprehensive transformation of the labour sector. He emphasized his intention to serve responsibly rather than imposing ideas, during his first official engagement at the Ministry with directors, agency heads, departments, and staff.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Pelpuo outlined his dedication to shaping the nation's workforce, protecting workers' rights, and fostering growth. He reassured that the government is focused on creating decent jobs, improving livelihoods, and boosting business productivity and sustainability to accelerate economic growth. The Minister highlighted that his priorities include promoting job creation and employment opportunities, welcoming technical expertise to transform the sector and Ghana as a whole.
The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to reducing unemployment and underemployment, especially among youth, women, and vulnerable groups, by supporting initiatives that create decent jobs. Collaborations with the private sector, educational institutions, and development partners are also planned to enhance skilled training, entrepreneurship, and labour market access.
Meanwhile, Mr Ofosu Asamoah, Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission, raised concerns about the inability to address cases due to the absence of two government appointees following the transition from the former President Akufo-Addo administration. He noted that approximately 200 cases have accumulated over the past two months, stressing the urgency of appointing new members to prevent further delays in addressing workers' rights abuses and wrongful contract terminations.
Present at the meeting were several agency heads, including Mr Benjamin Arthur, Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and officials from the Social Security National Insurance Trust.
