Accra: Parliamentarians from the Select Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions recently visited the Department of Co-operatives to explore potential collaboration opportunities. Officials from the Department emphasized the role of cooperatives in promoting job growth, agricultural development, and addressing issues such as illegal mining.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Abubakar Abdul-Malik, Assistant Registrar of the Department of Co-operatives, underscored the importance of cooperatives in fostering job growth and youth engagement. Mr. Abdul-Malik highlighted the Department's goal to strengthen the cooperative sector through strategic engagement with parliamentarians and other stakeholders. This was conveyed during a familiarization visit by some Committee members in Accra.
The visit aimed to gain insights into the Department's mandates and functions, identify challenges, and explore collaboration opportunities between Parliament and the Department of Co-operatives. Officials expressed particular interest in areas such as labor relations and workforce development.
Mr. Abdul-Malik expressed optimism about the discussions, emphasizing the importance of promoting cooperative development and fostering collaboration. The discussions highlighted the potential of cooperatives in driving economic growth and job creation.
Despite the promise shown by cooperatives, officials cited several challenges. Mr. Apraku Yeboah, the Acting Registrar of the Department of Co-operatives, mentioned that cooperatives could leverage technology to improve customer reach and service delivery. Challenges included inadequate staffing, dilapidated office infrastructure at various levels, insufficient work-related capacities, and a lack of funds and logistics.
Mr. Joseph Appiah Boateng, Chairman of Parliament's Select Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, emphasized the need for collaboration to achieve common goals in the sector.
