Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to improving occupational safety and health standards across all workplaces in Ghana.
Speaking at a World Safety Day event in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that a safe and healthy working environment is fundamental to achieving high productivity.
“Worker safety and health are non-negotiable priorities for this sector,” he asserted. “Improving the welfare and well-being of our workforce will be a key component of the government’s resetting agenda.”
He outlined plans for significant investments in health infrastructure, modernizing facilities, and equipping workplaces with the technological tools necessary to enhance safety. “By doing so, the government is laying a robust foundation for a resilient economy where safety and productivity are intrinsically linked,” he added.
The World Safety Day event convened stakeholders in occupational health and safety for discussions centered on the theme: “Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Workers’ Health and Safety.” Participants addressed the critical need to protect workers amidst rapid technological advancements. Dr. Pelpuo stressed that continuously improving safety protocols is crucial for safeguarding the workforce and driving national productivity.
“Since assuming office, I have engaged extensively with the Chief Inspector of Factories and other key stakeholders to fortify the OSH administration,” Dr. Pelpuo stated. “I have established a dedicated team to support OSH efforts and ensure outreach to nearly every workplace, guaranteeing the safety of workers in optimal conditions.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Pelpuo announced the upcoming unveiling of innovative, data-driven strategies designed to transform health and safety compliance across all sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
“In the coming weeks, we will introduce groundbreaking data-driven strategies aimed at revolutionizing health and safety compliance nationwide,” he declared. “We are collaboratively developing a national framework that ensures emerging technologies contribute to economic progress while upholding the safety and dignity of every Ghanaian worker.”
These strategies will include enhancing workplace surveillance and hazard monitoring systems, digitalizing labour inspection processes, introducing smart personal protective equipment, and strengthening data collection for informed policymaking.
Acting Chief Inspector of Factories Directorate, George D. Gashon, underscored the directorate’s enhanced capacity to enforce safety regulations.
“An enforcement team has been inaugurated to ensure comprehensive coverage across Ghana, guaranteeing that safety officers are well-trained, supervised, and effective in improving workplace safety,” Mr. Gashon affirmed. “As we focus on resetting the economy, safety is paramount for industrialization, and technology is a vital enabler. Our goal is to elevate safety standards in Ghana by actively engaging with all workplaces to embrace technological solutions.”
The commitments made on World Safety Day signal a strong, proactive approach to addressing the evolving challenges to workers’ health and safety in the age of emerging technologies. By prioritizing data-driven strategies and robust enforcement, Ghana aims to foster a work environment where the well-being of its workforce is paramount, ultimately driving a more productive and sustainable economic future.
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