Ghana’s labour framework must shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention – CDA Consult
The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA CONSULT), on Tuesday, argued that Ghana’s labour framework must shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, stressing that many workers only access healthcare when symptoms become severe, by which time treatment costs are higher and recovery prospects lower.
CDA Consult, a leading policy and development advocacy group, therefore, called on Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, to partner with labour unions to institute routine health assessments compulsory for all workers in Ghana.
The appeal comes amid growing concern over workplace-related illnesses, occupational hazards, and the economic burden of undiagnosed health conditions on productivity and national development.
Mr Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, who is a holistic health advocate, urged the Labour Minister to convene a tripartite dialogue involving the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment; the various labour unions; employer associations; and other relevant stakeholders to develop a national policy framework for routine health assessment for all workers.
He noted: “Routine health assessments should not be a privilege. They must become a compulsory standard across both formal and informal sectors. Early detection saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and protects the workforce that drives Ghana’s economy.”
The CDA Consult Executive Director proposed that the assessments be conducted at least annually, covering basic screenings for hypertension, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and occupational-specific risks such as exposure to chemicals, dust, or heavy machinery.
He revealed that most workers are totally ignorant of the risk associated with their work: “Whatever type of work you are engaged in today, there are associated health risks tomorrow; regular health screening for early detection saves lives.”
The framework, he noted, should outline employer responsibilities, worker protections, data privacy safeguards, and financing models that do not overburden small businesses.
He also acknowledged the Labour Minister’s push to strengthen occupational safety systems through the inauguration of a Regional Task Force on Occupational Safety and Health.
Mr Ameyibor noted that task forces on occupational safety and health are in the right direction, but we should move a step further and contend that mandatory health assessments will yield long-term economic gains.
“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 argued further that mandatory health checks would benefit employers through reduced absenteeism and compensation claims, while giving workers early access to treatment and job security.
The CDA Consult Executive Director also highlighted equity concerns, noting that informal sector workers, who make up a large portion of Ghana’s labour force, currently have limited access to preventive health services.
He stressed the need to include informal sector workers through mobile clinics and partnerships with district health facilities.
Mr Ameyibor said CDA Consult is ready to support the ministry with technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and pilot programme design.
He also called on Parliament to consider legislative backing to give the policy teeth and ensure compliance across industries.
Mr Ameyibor stressed, “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. Worker health is national wealth. Compulsory routine assessments are not a cost to business or government. They are an investment in Ghana’s future."