By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has cautioned employers against violating the rights of workers, warning that companies found culpable will face sanctions. He issued the warning during a tour of selected factories in the Accra Industrial Area, aimed at assessing working conditions, sanitation standards and compliance with labour regulations.
The Minister’s first stop was Promasidor Company Limited, where he engaged management and staff and expressed satisfaction with the company’s workplace standards. “I have gone to see what I have seen, and I am impressed with the first company. They have everything ,cleanliness, respect for hygiene, and the workers are happy,” Dr. Pelpuo said.
He later visited Fan Milk Limited, where he inspected workplace safety systems, working conditions and employee welfare. “I have also been to the second company, and I have seen the needed conditions of safety. Workers are happy, and we have seen strong engagement with workers,” he noted.
Dr. Pelpuo commended both companies for their contribution to employment creation, stating that government is ready to collaborate with and support industries that prioritise decent work.
“So many people are engaged here, and they even have plans to engage more. That has impressed me greatly, and we are looking forward to cooperating with these companies and increasing support for them, if the need be, for the benefit of Ghanaian workers,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted that some of the companies visited were already operating under a 24-hour work system, aligning with government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy. “On the 24-hour economy, we have opened up to them and will support them if the need be. Thankfully, when we went there, they were already working within the 24-hour economy, which is in fulfilment of government’s agenda,” he said.
Despite praising compliant companies, Dr. Pelpuo expressed concern about persistent reports of worker abuse by some employers, particularly arbitrary dismissals and the denial of employment documentation.
“I am sending a clear signal to employers. Don’t do that to the workers. Give them their letters and stop just sacking workers,” he warned. He stressed that while government prefers dialogue and engagement, legal action remains an option if abuses continue.
“We are not considering court action now, but if they do not comply, we may have to seek legal redress to ensure workers are comfortable and protected,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
