Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue and industrial harmony as critical pillars for accelerating Ghana’s economic growth and national development.
Opening the 2026 National Labour Conference in Ho in the Volta Region, the Vice President said government would continue to engage employers and organised labour to sustain industrial peace, protect workers’ rights and promote decent work across all sectors of the economy.
She stressed the need for inclusive labour policies that leave no worker behind, particularly those in the informal sector, while urging stakeholders to embrace consensus-building in addressing the country’s labour challenges.
The Vice President also highlighted the need to prepare Ghana’s workforce for the changing world of work through skills development, labour reforms and adaptation to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, described industrial harmony as indispensable to Ghana’s development, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue, reducing industrial disputes and implementing key labour reforms, including the Decent Work Country Programme (2026–2030) and the Labour Bill 2026.
Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said sustainable national development depends on dialogue, trust and strong partnerships among government, employers and organised labour. He expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s labour and employment agenda.
Chairman of the conference, Togbe Afede XIV, praised government, employers and organised labour for maintaining industrial peace despite recent economic challenges. He urged continued investment in critical thinking, skills development and adaptation to technological change to sustain the country’s economic gains.
President of the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), Nana Dr. Emmanuel Adu Sarkodie, said industrial harmony and social dialogue are vital to attracting investment and boosting productivity.
He proposed a National Home Ownership Programme to address Ghana’s housing deficit, arguing that affordable housing would improve worker productivity, support the 24-Hour Economy and create jobs through the use of locally produced building materials.
Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, called for the speedy passage of the revised Labour Bill, stronger social protection and investment in skills development. He also urged government to address wage disparities and ensure workers receive fair and equitable treatment.
ILO Director for Anglophone West Africa, Venesa Lerato Phala, called for greater attention to Ghana’s informal sector, expanded social protection and quality job creation for women and young people.
She stressed the need for data-driven wage policies, TVET-led skills development and stronger measures to close the gender pay gap as Ghana reforms its labour market.
The three-day conference has brought together government, employers, organised labour and development partners to deliberate on the theme, “Strengthening Industrial Harmony as a Catalyst for Accelerated Economic Growth and National Development.”
