CDA Consult calls for mandatory annual health screening for Ghanaian workers

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult), a policy and development advocacy organisation, has called on the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, to collaborate with labour unions and other stakeholders to make routine health assessments mandatory for all workers in Ghana.

The organisation believes a preventive healthcare approach is essential to safeguarding the wellbeing of workers and improving national productivity.

Speaking on Wednesday, Executive Director of CDA Consult, Mr Francis Ameyibor, said Ghana's labour system must move beyond reactive healthcare, where workers seek medical attention only after illnesses become severe.

According to him, delayed diagnosis often results in higher treatment costs, prolonged recovery periods, and reduced productivity.

The call comes amid increasing concerns over occupational diseases, workplace hazards, and the economic impact of untreated health conditions on businesses and national development.

“Routine health assessments should not be a privilege. They must become a compulsory standard across both formal and informal sectors,” Mr Ameyibor stated.

“Early detection saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and protects the workforce that drives Ghana’s economy.”

As part of the proposal, CDA Consult is recommending that workers undergo annual health screenings covering conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and occupation-related health risks, including exposure to chemicals, dust, and heavy machinery.

Mr Ameyibor noted that many workers remain unaware of the long-term health risks associated with their occupations.

“Whatever type of work you are engaged in today, there are associated health risks tomorrow. Regular health screening for early detection saves lives,” he said.

He urged the Labour Minister to initiate a tripartite dialogue involving government, labour unions, employer associations, and other key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive national policy on mandatory workplace health assessments.

According to him, the framework should clearly define employer obligations, worker protections, data privacy measures, and funding mechanisms that would not place excessive financial pressure on small businesses.

Mr Ameyibor also commended the Labour Minister's recent efforts to strengthen occupational safety through the inauguration of a Regional Task Force on Occupational Safety and Health in the Upper East Region.

While describing the initiative as a positive step, he argued that mandatory health assessments would further strengthen workplace health and safety systems while generating long term economic benefits.

“Healthier workers take fewer sick days, have higher productivity, and place less strain on the National Health Insurance Scheme. For employers, it reduces absenteeism and compensation claims. For workers, it offers early intervention and job security,” he emphasised.

He further noted that mandatory screenings would help employers reduce productivity losses linked to illness while enabling workers to access treatment before health conditions become critical.

The CDA Consult Executive Director also highlighted the need to address disparities in access to preventive healthcare, particularly among workers in the informal sector, who constitute a significant portion of Ghana's workforce.

He proposed the use of mobile health clinics and stronger partnerships with district health facilities to ensure informal sector workers are not left out of the initiative.

Mr Ameyibor said CDA Consult stands ready to support the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment through technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and the design of pilot programmes to test the policy.

He also called on Parliament to provide legislative backing for the initiative to ensure compliance across all sectors of the economy.

“With Ghana aligning its labour policies to Sustainable Development Goal targets on health and decent work, CDA Consult believes now is the moment to act,” he said.

“Worker health is national wealth. Compulsory routine assessments are not a cost to business or government. They are an investment in Ghana’s future.”

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