The government is working on a new law to strengthen occupational safety, health and working conditions in Ghana, the Minister for Employment, Labour and Jobs, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has announced.
The proposed legislation is expected to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing workplace safety and health, while setting out standards and requirements to protect workers across the country.
Dr Pelpuo disclosed this during an engagement with members of the Health, Environment, Safety and Security (HESS) ahead of their leadership conference scheduled for August 29 and 30.
He said the proposed bill would provide clear legal guidelines for dealing with occupational safety and health issues and help ensure that workers operate in secure and healthy environments.
According to the Minister, protecting workers from unsafe conditions is critical to Ghana’s economic development, as a healthy workforce is essential to sustaining productivity and growth.
He noted that workers should not have to endure illnesses or health challenges caused by the environments in which they work.
Dr Pelpuo further stressed that economic growth could not be sustained without decent working conditions that enable employees to perform their duties safely and effectively.
He said the government, since assuming office, had placed emphasis on creating a positive and secure working environment to improve workers’ wellbeing and productivity.
The Minister also praised HESS for its contribution towards promoting occupational safety, health and security, describing the organisation’s work as an important contribution to national development.
He assured the group of the government’s willingness to collaborate with stakeholders to improve workplace safety standards and strengthen measures to protect workers.
Dr Pelpuo expressed optimism that the upcoming HESS leadership conference would produce practical recommendations that could help improve occupational safety, health and security in Ghana.
He said ensuring that workers had access to safe, peaceful and secure workplaces was essential to recognising their contribution to the country’s development and building a resilient and sustainable economy.
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