Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue and promoting industrial harmony as key drivers of Ghana’s economic growth and national development.
Opening the 2026 National Labour Conference in Ho, the Vice President said the government would continue to engage employers and organised labour to sustain industrial peace, safeguard workers’ rights and promote decent work across all sectors of the economy.
She stressed the importance of developing inclusive labour policies that cater for all workers, particularly those in the informal sector, while urging stakeholders to embrace dialogue and consensus-building in resolving labour-related challenges.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also underscored the need to equip Ghana’s workforce for the rapidly evolving world of work through skills development, labour market reforms and adaptation to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, described industrial harmony as essential to Ghana’s development agenda.
He reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue, reducing industrial disputes and implementing key labour reforms, including the Decent Work Country Programme (2026–2030) and the proposed Labour Bill 2026.
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu said sustainable national development depends on trust, dialogue and strong collaboration among government, employers and organised labour.
He expressed optimism that the conference would produce practical recommendations to advance Ghana’s labour and employment agenda.
Chairman of the conference, Togbe Afede XIV, commended government, employers and labour unions for preserving industrial peace despite recent economic challenges.
He called for greater investment in critical thinking, skills development and technological adaptation to sustain the country’s economic progress.
President of the Ghana Employers’ Association, Emmanuel Adu Sarkodie, said industrial harmony and effective social dialogue are critical to improving productivity and attracting investment.
He proposed the introduction of a National Home Ownership Programme to address Ghana’s housing deficit, arguing that affordable housing would boost worker productivity, support the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative and create jobs through increased use of locally produced building materials.
Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, called for the swift passage of the revised Labour Bill, expanded social protection measures and greater investment in skills development.
He also urged government to tackle wage disparities and ensure fair and equitable treatment for workers.
The Director of the International Labour Organization for Anglophone West Africa, Venesa Lerato Phala, advocated increased attention to Ghana’s informal sector, expanded social protection and the creation of quality jobs for women and young people.
She further called for data-driven wage policies, stronger technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, and measures to reduce the gender pay gap.
The three-day conference has brought together representatives from government, employers, organised labour and development partners to deliberate on the theme: “Strengthening Industrial Harmony as a Catalyst for Accelerated Economic Growth and National Development.
