The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has commended the media for its critical role in deepening good governance and promoting accountability through accurate, fair and consistent reporting.
Speaking at a press soiree in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo described the media as a strategic partner in government’s social contract with the people of Ghana, stressing that journalism remains an indispensable pillar of the country’s governance architecture.
“You have helped carry our message to the doorsteps of the Ghanaian people,” the Minister said, attributing public awareness and appreciation of the Ministry’s work largely to the media’s commitment to responsible and truthful reporting.
He explained that the engagement was organised not only to appreciate the media’s contribution, but also to create an open platform for dialogue, feedback and constructive criticism. Dr. Pelpuo assured journalists of his continued openness and commitment to sustained collaboration with the press.
Highlighting key achievements over the past year, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry successfully engaged organised labour to secure a nine per cent increase in the minimum wage and base salary. He further revealed that more than 50 potential industrial actions were averted through dialogue and consensus-building, helping to maintain industrial harmony and protect national productivity.
According to him, these interventions have contributed to economic stability and enhanced workforce commitment, factors he said have supported Ghana’s growing recognition among Africa’s leading economies.
Dr. Pelpuo also pointed to recent reductions in fuel prices and other cost-of-living indicators as tangible outcomes of good governance, accountability and prudent economic management.
“We are simply doing the right things — actions that are in the best interest of the people and the nation,” he emphasised.
On youth employment, the Minister announced that government is strengthening job creation and access through the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS), a digital platform that aggregates public and private sector job opportunities and allows job seekers to apply electronically.
He revealed that initial testing of the system uncovered numerous job opportunities that remain largely unknown to the public, underscoring the need for effective information dissemination and awareness.
The engagement ended with an interactive session during which journalists raised questions and offered suggestions on labour, employment and youth unemployment issues. Dr. Pelpuo assured participants of further engagements as the Ministry prepares to roll out additional initiatives later this year.