The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on multinational enterprises to prioritize the skills development and welfare of workers through continuous training and education. In today’s interconnected world, businesses are encouraged to balance profit-making with promoting workers’ rights and contributing to community development. The ILO emphasized that businesses are increasingly judged not only by their financial success but also by their commitment to ethical practices, social responsibility, and the wellbeing of the communities they operate in.
The ILO commended Ghana for appointing the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) as the focal point for implementing the Multinational Enterprises and Social (MNE) declaration, which acknowledges the significant role of multinational companies in fostering decent work and minimizing negative impacts on host communities. Ghana’s efforts in promoting decent work and protecting workers’ rights through inclusive, responsible, and sustainable workplace policies were particularly lauded.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting in Accra, Dr. Vanessa Phala, ILO Director for Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and ECOWAS liaison, urged other nations to follow Ghana’s lead in implementing the MNE declaration. She highlighted Ghana’s position as one of the first countries to appoint its investment promotion body as the focal point for this initiative, demonstrating the country’s commitment to ensuring responsible business practices.
Mr. Edward Ashong-Lartey, Director of the Investor Services Division at GIPC, noted that while the Centre continues to attract multinational investments, the government is also working to balance economic growth with social responsibility. He called on multinational enterprises in Ghana to adopt fair labor practices that promote decent work, equitable treatment, and respect for workers’ rights.
Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Joshua Ansah, reinforced the need for multinational enterprises to operate profitably while also caring for workers’ welfare and the needs of their host communities. He emphasized that responsible business practices are not just about profitability but also about treating workers with dignity and fairness.
