The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among workers, employers, and the government to enhance productivity and strengthen the country’s economy.

Delivering the keynote address at the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) on Thursday at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Pelpuo described workplace productivity as the “backbone of any successful economy” and a critical driver of job creation and improved living standards.

Speaking on the theme “Enhancing Productivity at the Workplace: The Role of Social Partners,” the Minister highlighted that Ghana has achieved moderate growth in labour productivity since 1991, surpassing the average performance of lower-middle-income countries but still behind upper-middle-income peers.

He noted that while productivity has seen gains in the mining sector, other industries with potential to generate decent jobs and drive technological modernisation continue to grow at a slower pace.

“Ghana’s labour market continues to be dominated by informality, unemployment and underemployment,” Dr Pelpuo stated. “This reality underscores the need for social partners to step up efforts in fostering innovation, creativity, and efficiency at the workplace.”

He commended ICU-Ghana for its long-standing commitment to advancing workers’ welfare and its proactive role in shaping national discourse on labour. “Your tireless efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of workers and the broader community,” he said, adding that the union’s legacy of advocacy and service was vital in promoting a fairer and more prosperous society.

Dr Pelpuo emphasised the role of employers in motivating and sustaining productivity through fair wages, benefits, training, and a supportive workplace culture. He stressed that fostering teamwork, promoting work-life balance, and prioritising social dialogue would be crucial in building positive work environments.

“As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to engage actively in social dialogue and collaboration. By prioritising open communication, mutual respect, and trust, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce and drive productivity, innovation, and growth.”

The Minister expressed optimism about the future of the country’s workplaces, stating that with strengthened partnerships between workers, employers, and government, the country could create “a thriving work environment that is conducive to employee well-being, creativity, and productivity.”

The ICU-Ghana conference brought together delegates, labour leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on issues shaping the world of work, as the union marked another milestone in its decades-long service to the Ghanaian workforce.