US commissioners to run a mediation course

Accra, July 17, GNA - Two Commissioners from the United States Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services are in the country to assist the National Labour Commission (NLC) organise a six-day training course for mediators and arbitrators at Ho from Monday, July 18, 2005.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Mohammed Affum, Public Relation Officer of the Commission said Mr. Glenn Tarkowski and Ms Venessa Bullock accompanied by Mr J.K. Bapuuroh, Executive Secretary of the NLC last Friday paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kofi Adda, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment at his office.

Mr Adda commended the US Agency for International Department for its support to his ministry.

The Minister also observed that government was formulating policies for the establishment of a well-structured labour front to attract investors.

He said the presence of the US commissioners to share their experiences would equip the mediators and arbitrators with the requisite expertise to become the face of the Labour Commission in the settlement of disputes.

He said measures were also being taken to strengthen labour administration to lesson industrial disputes, adding that human resource development of the ministry, capacity building of the labour department and factory inspection unit would go along way to achieve this aim. For his part, Mr Glenn Tarkowski said preventive mediation as part of the dispute settlement mechanism does not only foster harmonious relationship but also contribute to the success of business. The US mediation commissioners also paid a courtesy call on Mrs Rose Karikari Anang, Executive Director of the Ghana Employers Association.