The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to promote decent work, occupational safety and sustainable job creation across the country.
The Minister made the remarks during a working visit to the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, where he engaged management in discussions on labour standards, expansion prospects and workforce development.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Pelpuo explained that the visit was not merely to familiarise himself with the company’s operations, but to deepen cooperation between government and industry in ensuring that workers operate under safe, dignified and environmentally compliant conditions. “As a government institution responsible for labour, jobs and employment, our key concern is how labour is respected, the conditions under which people work, and how those conditions are favourable to both employer and employee,” he stated.
The Minister emphasised that government remains keen on understanding the challenges confronting industry players and exploring practical ways to support business expansion, increase workforce participation and improve productivity.
He further referenced the recently launched 24hour Economy Authority Act, a legal framework aimed at enhancing industrial productivity, including incentives for companies capable of operating extended hours within the law to boost output and create additional employment opportunities.
Dr. Pelpuo commended Zoomlion for transforming sanitation from what was once perceived as an unattractive sector into a viable and competitive area of investment and employment. “Sanitation used to be something people overlooked. Today, it has become an attractive and viable sector because of the innovation and drive shown,” he observed.
He assured management of government’s readiness to foster closer collaboration to create a more conducive environment for private sector growth. “We want to see more young people in the workforce. We are prepared to support any collaboration that will help you do better and expand further,” he added.
Mrs. Florence Larbi, the Chief Operating Officer of Environment and Sanitation, Jospong Group of Companies, used the occasion to share the company’s growth journey and social impact initiatives. She highlighted the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, including sponsorship of Ghanaian students pursuing postgraduate studies at a university in Russia, with several expected to complete their Master’s programmes in June.
Mrs. Larbi also outlined Jospong Group of Companies’ contribution to job creation nationwide, indicating that over the years it has helped generate employment opportunities for more than 200,000 people across various value chains. These include sanitation workers, afforestation project staff, logistics suppliers, uniform producers and equipment providers, among others.
She further underscored its inclusive employment policy, noting that persons with disabilities are part of its workforce, including a wheelchair user who manages reception duties at its main office.
The visit concluded with an interactive session and a guided tour of the compost and recycling plant, signalling renewed efforts by the Ministry to work closely with key industry players to advance decent work standards and sustainable job creation in Ghana.
Dr Pelpuo was accompanied by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Hamidu Adakurugu; the Director of Labour and Employment, Mr. Nhyira Adu Amankwah Sarfo; the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Mr. Eyram Tottimeh; Legal Advisor for the Ministry, Mr Daniel Kupualor and other senior officials of the Ministry.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Public Affairs Unit, MLJE
