Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, has led Ghana’s Delegation to the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ghana’s involvement is a significant opportunity for the nation to engage in global discussions on international labour standards and policies.

The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and the Information Services Department, in a joint statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the ILC, often referred to as the International Parliament of Labour, was the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

It said this annual event, held in Geneva, Switzerland, in May/June, brings together representatives from all 187 Member States to address critical issues concerning labour rights, standards, and policies.

The statement said Dr Pelpuo would lead this year’s Ghana delegation, comprised of representatives from the Government, Organised Labour, and the Employers Association, to Geneva from June 2nd to 14th.

It said Ghana’s participation in the ILC was essential for several reasons: it enhances the country’s international image, allowing it to highlight its commitment to labour rights and social dialogue.

The statement said that through this platform, delegates could gain valuable insights into effective labour policies, which could be applied to national projects and programmes.
It noted that, additionally, the conference serves as a forum for promoting and strengthening social dialogue at both international and national levels, while also overseeing the implementation of international labour instruments within Ghana.

“This year’s conference will address critical items, including protection against biological hazards in the workplace, decent work in the platform economy, and transition towards formality,” the statement said.

“These discussions aim to establish standards to enhance worker rights and protections in an evolving labour landscape.”

The statement said technical committees would be formed to delve deeper into these issues, including the Committee on the Application of Standards, which would assess compliance with ILO conventions.

It said the Conference would further be graced by Mr Gilbert Houngbo, the Director General of the ILO, who would deliver a report on the theme “Jobs, Rights and Growth; Reinforcing the Connection.”

It said that in addition to the main sessions, the ILC will feature side events, such as the commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour and the Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum.

The statement reiterated that these events highlight the conference’s commitment to addressing pressing social issues.

It said Ghana’s participation in the ILC was not only about fulfilling an obligation; it was an opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on labour standards and to learn from the experiences of other nations.

It said that by actively engaging in these discussions, Ghana could enhance its labour policies, promote social dialogue, and play a vital role in shaping the future of work both domestically and internationally.