Govt to support job creation initiatives to reduce unemployment - Labour Minister

The government has pledged to reduce unemployment and underemployment by supporting initiatives that create decent jobs, especially for the youth, women and vulnerable groups.

It also assured that it would collaborate with the private sector, educational institutions and development partners to enhance skills training, entrepreneurship and labour market access.

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, said this at the first meeting with staff of the ministry on Tuesday in Accra.

The Minister stated that the government would ensure that every worker is treated with dignity, given fair treatment and protection.

To achieve that, the Minister said the Labour Bill and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill would be drafted to improve workplace safety and strengthen social protection coverage for workers.

On industrial relations and workplace standard, Dr Pelpuo noted that the government would reinforce systems for dispute resolution, collective bargaining and social dialogue to maintain industrial peace and productivity.

“I look forward to a broader dialogue with tripartite constituents in building consensus on matters of socio-economic importance,” he added.

The Minister echoed the government’s resolve to create decent jobs, protect and improve the livelihoods of the workforce, increase the productivity, and sustainability of businesses and accelerate economic growth.

He pledged to focus on building the capacities of staff and strengthen the institutions of the Ministry to improve service delivery.