Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to the principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), highlighting the government’s ambitious agenda for job creation, social justice, and inclusive economic transformation.
Delivering his statement at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Pelpuo praised ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo for what he described as a “timely and insightful” report. The report underscores the urgent global need to address decent work deficits and reinforce social protection systems amid an evolving global labour landscape.
“Ghana fully aligns with the call to action in the report, particularly the emphasis on resilient labour markets, inclusive growth, and transformative social protection systems,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
He emphasised that Ghana’s development strategy is framed around the national policy blueprint “Building the Ghana We Want Together,” which is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This blueprint is focused on creating sustainable jobs, reducing inequality, and fostering economic resilience.
“It is a vision that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on creating sustainable jobs, reducing inequalities, and fostering economic growth,” he explained.
Dr. Pelpuo outlined several flagship initiatives being implemented by the government to transform Ghana’s labour market and promote inclusive employment opportunities. Chief among these is the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which incentivises businesses to operate around the clock in three eight-hour shifts—a move aimed at boosting productivity, reducing unemployment, and driving industrial output.
Other transformative policies include:
The Women’s Development Bank, a specialised financial institution designed to support women-led and women-owned businesses.
The National Apprenticeship Programme, which offers free technical and vocational education to empower youth through self-employment in trades and crafts.
The Digital Jobs Initiative, developed in partnership with the private sector, to leverage digital technologies for job creation in ICT and innovation sectors.
The Big Push, a national infrastructure acceleration programme focused on generating jobs through strategic public investments.
The Ghana Green Jobs Initiative, which promotes green entrepreneurship and climate-smart employment through sustainable technologies.
Acknowledging the pressures of population growth, labour migration, and regional disparities, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized the importance of global cooperation:
“The Government of Ghana recognizes the challenges of population growth, labour migration, and employment and acknowledges that they cannot be addressed in isolation. Ghana commits to fostering regional and global partnerships to share best practices, leverage resources, and create opportunity and prosperity for all.”
He stressed that Ghana views the ILO as a strategic partner in achieving a fair, inclusive, and forward-looking labour market:
“We commend the ILO for its enduring leadership and call for continued support for Member States in implementing the outcomes of this Conference,” he said.
Concluding his remarks with a call to action, Dr. Pelpuo urged member states to recommit to the core mission of the ILO.
“Let us leave here more determined than ever to build a world where no one is left behind, and where work is truly a source of dignity and empowerment.”
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo also reiterated the organisation’s strategic role in adapting global labour policies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world of work.
