During his vetting before the Parliamentary Appointment Committee, Rashid Pelpuo, Minister-designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, addressed concerns over industrial actions in Ghana.
Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei revealed that the National Labour Commission recorded 27 industrial actions in 2024. Of these, 21 came from the public sector, with 14 specifically from tertiary education institutions, representing 66% of all strikes. She asked Pelpuo how he intended to tackle the rising labour unrest.
Pelpuo stated that there are existing procedures for addressing organized labour concerns, and he plans to follow them. He emphasized working closely with stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding, empathy, and alignment with economic realities. He highlighted the importance of balancing productivity with earnings, saying, “What you produce and what you earn, there must be concordance.”
He further proposed redefining the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission into a Bureau of Enumeration and Productivity. He believes this shift would ensure fair compensation based on productivity levels.
Graduate Employability and Job Market Skills
Patricia Appiagyei also questioned Pelpuo on how he would collaborate with the Education Minister to ensure graduates possess the necessary skills for the job market.
In response, Rashid Pelpuo acknowledged a shift in the employment sector and stressed the need for a comprehensive review of emerging trends, digital skills, and workforce demands.
He noted that such changes could lead to reforms in labour regulations, including the potential introduction of employment law to address new labour market challenges.
Pelpuo assured the committee of his commitment to bridging the skills gap and preparing graduates for evolving job opportunities.
Read also: Rashid Pelpuo, Minister Designate for Labour, Jobs and Employment on Tackling…
