Full text : Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah speaks at 12th Session Of The International Labour Conference in Geneva

STATEMENT BY Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah (MP), MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR RELATIONS AND PENSIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA ON TUESDAY, 11^TH JUNE, 2024 AT THE 112^TH SESSION OF ILC

H.E. President of the 112^th Session of the ILC;

All Protocols Observed; Director General, ILO;

1. I wish to join previous speakers to commend the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the Director General of the ILO for their reports. The Government of Ghana associates with the contents of the reports as we join hands to navigate the complexities of today’s world of work.
2. Social contracts between Governments, Workers and Employers have always been an anchor for sustainable development. However, the unprecedented challenges posed by technological advancements, demographic shifts, climate change and geopolitical tensions have put in jeopardy the benefits governments derive from social contracts with their people. This has undoubtedly exposed the fragilities of the world of work. Today, we must re-evaluate our actions and inactions and renew our social contracts to advance sustainable development that “leaves no one behind”. Our renewed social contracts must embrace diversity, ensure inclusivity, and promote social cohesion. We must create avenues that promote access to fair employment opportunities and adequate social protection systems. Ghana has taken substantial strides in promoting inclusive employment opportunities for all its citizens. Through interventions such as the National Employment Policy, Social Protection Policy and the National Youth Policy, the Government of Ghana is transforming the lives of its people with focus on the youth who are the future.
3. The review of Ghana’s Labour Act is also providing additional protection for all actors in the world of work. The ILO has been instrumental in the review of Ghana’s Labour Act by offering both technical and financial support throughout the process. On this august occasion, the Government of Ghana reiterates it profound gratitude to the ILO as this gesture reinforces our commitment to the promotion of tripartism and social dialogue.
4. We are confident that the Bill when passed into law, would deal comprehensively with the varying decent work deficits that characterise the sector. Whilst issues of child labour, forced labour, irregular labour migration, and unfair labour practices would be addressed more comprehensively, provisions will also be introduced to cater for the digital economy / platform work. This is necessary considering that Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning) is causing a shift in how we work and the types of jobs organisations are engaging in. We must recognise that AI will not displace labour but complement it to enhance productivity in a competitive ecosystem. Government would leverage AI and institute the appropriate regulatory frameworks to maximise its benefits and improve decent work in the world of work.
5. Government is also investing heavily in education and skills development in response to the changing world of work. Digital technologies are at the forefront of this transformation to enable the workforce keep pace with the changing work landscape. These investments would seek to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to an increasingly digital and dynamic economy.
6. Furthermore, Government is implementing various policies and programmes to facilitate a just transition to an environmentally sustainable economy and society. We are partnering with the private sector and multinational enterprises to maximise the benefit of a plethora of opportunities in Ghana’s green economy towards decent job creation and sustained economic growth.
7. In conclusion, permit me to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment towards a renewed social contract where effective partnerships and cooperation would be central. Collectively, we will overcome the challenges facing labour markets, promote inclusive growth and create a better future for all.
8. I thank you for your attention.