Ghana has taken a significant stride in reinforcing workplace safety and health standards with the inauguration of an eight-member committee by the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment (MLJE) on Wednesday, April 30.

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The move underscores the government’s commitment to creating safer working conditions across the country.

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The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, was marked by a strong sense of purpose and dedication to protecting the welfare of Ghanaian workers. Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Gloria Bortele Noi, opened the event by welcoming the committee members and stressing the critical nature of their mandate.

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"The establishment of this committee is crucial for advancing occupational safety and health standards," she said. Mrs. Noi noted that the committee’s core areas—enforcement, compliance, and inspection—would be instrumental in cutting down workplace hazards and promoting the wellbeing of employees nationwide.

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Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, officially inaugurated the committee, expressing deep appreciation for the members’ readiness to serve.

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“I officially inaugurate you to help serve the country and believe you will do a great job,” Dr. Pelpuo remarked. He encouraged them to adopt a positive outlook, work diligently, and handle government resources responsibly. He stressed that their efforts would be crucial in reshaping Ghana’s workplace safety framework and contributing to national development.

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The committee’s chairperson also spoke at the event, extending gratitude to the Minister for supporting their vision. He pledged the committee’s full cooperation and dedication to the shared goal of enhancing occupational safety across Ghana.

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The inauguration followed Ghana’s observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Monday, April 28. During the national commemoration held in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo called on all stakeholders to match technological advancements with stronger protections for workers.

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“Every worker deserves to go to work in the morning and return home safely in the evening,” he told a gathering that included labour unions, employers, civil society groups, and government officials. “Technology is changing how we work, but it must not change our commitment to protecting the people behind the machines.”

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Referring to International Labour Organization (ILO) statistics, Dr. Pelpuo noted, “These numbers are not just statistics, they represent lives, families, futures,” in reference to the 2.78 million annual deaths globally due to work-related accidents and diseases.

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He praised the collaboration among Ghana’s tripartite partners—government, employers, and workers—and reaffirmed the Mahama administration’s resolve to ensure dignified and secure work environments. Dr. Pelpuo also revealed that the government is drafting new legislation tailored to the digital era and reiterated plans to ratify ILO Conventions 155 and 187.

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He urged employers to view safety not as an obligation but as a strategic investment, adding that worker input in technology development was key to building safer, more resilient workplaces.

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