Accra, February 5, 2026
The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for strengthened labour institutions and intensified public awareness on labour rights during an official working visit to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.
The visit brought together the Hon. Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, heads of agencies, and senior officials for a strategic engagement aimed at enhancing institutional coordination, improving service delivery, and promoting decent work in Ghana.
In her address, the Vice President emphasized the need to bridge institutional gaps and foster unity of purpose across 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,” she stated.
She underscored that strong labour institutions are critical to safeguarding the dignity, rights and welfare of Ghanaian workers. According to her, the Ministry and its agencies play a pivotal role in shaping how workers are treated, recognized and supported across all sectors of the economy. “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 noted.
The Vice President further highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and its agencies, describing the 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 said.
Addressing the issue of labour rights protection, the Vice President strongly condemned all forms of abuse and exploitation, particularly against vulnerable workers who may lack representation or bargaining power. She called for intensified public education on labour laws and rights, as well as strengthened enforcement mechanisms to ensure fairness and dignity in the workplace, including within domestic and informal employment spaces.
Earlier, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, welcomed the Vice President and described the visit as timely and motivating for the Ministry and its agencies.
The Minister outlined some challenges confronting the sector such as the need for increased budgetary allocation and some legislative reviews.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, improving conditions of work, and ensuring equitable treatment for all categories of workers, particularly those in the informal economy and domestic work.
On the Ghana. Labour Market Information System, the Minister said when it becomes fully operational, it will solve a number of unemployment issues among the Youth in the country. He explained that the rationale behind the project was to enable job seekers to put out their information and employers to also provide list of vacancies to absorb such individuals with required expertise.
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.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Public Affairs Unit, MLJE
