The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for the strengthening of labour institutions and intensified public education on labour rights as part of efforts to protect workers and promote decent work across the country.
She made the call during an official working visit to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, where she engaged the Minister, heads of agencies, and senior officials in discussions aimed at improving institutional coordination and service delivery within the labour sector.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President emphasized the need to bridge institutional gaps and foster unity of purpose among agencies under the Ministry.
“We are interested in closing gaps. We are interested in moving closer to each other, putting faces to names, and ensuring that we are all in this together to succeed for our country,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said.
She noted that strong and effective labour institutions are essential to safeguarding the dignity, rights, and welfare of Ghanaian workers, stressing the critical role the Ministry and its agencies play in shaping workplace standards nationwide.
“You are working to raise the quality of our people — how they are treated, how they are recognized, and how they derive satisfaction from their labour. Your work is very important,” she stated.
The Vice President further underscored the importance of collaboration between the Minister and agencies under the Ministry, describing their relationship as mutually reinforcing.
“You are working with the Minister, but the Minister is also working with you. Everybody plays their role, and the results will be something we can all share,” she added.
Touching on labour rights protection, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang condemned all forms of abuse and exploitation, particularly of vulnerable workers who lack adequate representation or bargaining power. She called for stronger enforcement of labour laws and expanded public education on workers’ rights, including in domestic and informal employment settings.
Earlier, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, welcomed the Vice President and described the visit as timely and encouraging for the Ministry and its agencies.
He highlighted key challenges facing the sector, including the need for increased budgetary allocations and legislative reforms to strengthen labour administration.
Dr. Pelpuo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring equitable treatment for all workers, particularly those in the informal economy and domestic work.
On the Ghana Labour Market Information System, the Minister said the initiative, once fully operational, would help address youth unemployment by connecting job seekers with potential employers.
“The system is designed to allow job seekers to share their information while employers provide listings of vacancies, enabling the absorption of individuals with the required expertise,” he explained.
The Minister also briefed the Vice President on ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening labour administration, enhancing compliance with labour laws, and promoting decent work in line with the government’s broader development agenda.
