The government is set to foster closer collaboration to create a more conducive environment for private-sector growth.
The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, said this on Tuesday during a working visit to the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant of Zoomlion Ghana Limited.
He noted that the visit was not merely to familiarise himself with the company’s operations, but to deepen cooperation between government and industry in ensuring that workers operate under safe, dignified and environmentally compliant conditions.
The Minister emphasised that the government remains keen on understanding the challenges confronting industry players and exploring practical ways to support business expansion, increase workforce participation and improve productivity.
“As a government institution responsible for labour, jobs and employment, our key concern is how labour is respected, the conditions under which people work, and how those conditions are favourable to both employer and employee,” he stated.
He referred to the recently launched 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, which provides a legal framework to improve industrial productivity, adding that the law offers incentives to companies that are able to operate longer hours within the regulations, to increase output and generate more jobs.
Dr Pelpuo commended Zoomlion for transforming sanitation from what was once perceived as an unattractive sector into a viable and competitive area of investment and employment.
“Sanitation used to be something people overlooked. Today, it has become an attractive and viable sector because of the innovation and drive shown,” he said
He affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to promote decent work, occupational safety and sustainable job creation across the country.
“We want to see more young people in the workforce. We are prepared to support any collaboration that will help you do better and expand further,” he added.
On her part, the Chief Operating Officer of Environment and Sanitation, Jospong Group of Companies, Mrs Florence Larbi, used the occasion to share the company’s growth journey and social impact initiatives.
She highlighted the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, including sponsorship of Ghanaian students pursuing postgraduate studies at a university in Russia, with several expected to complete their Master’s programmes in June.
Mrs Larbi also outlined Jospong Group of Companies’ contribution to job creation nationwide, indicating that over the years, it has helped generate employment opportunities for more than 200,000 people across various value chains.
These include sanitation workers, afforestation project staff, logistics suppliers, uniform producers and equipment providers, among others.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
