The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and innovation in advancing the country’s green and circular economy agenda.
He said this at the opening of the National Dialogue on Green Jobs, Fair and Exhibition on Friday in Accra, a major gathering of government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and job seekers focused on leveraging environmental sustainability for economic growth.
He stated that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that the transition to a green economy could create over 24 million new jobs globally by 2030, provided the right policies are in place.
He described the dialogue as a key milestone in Ghana’s efforts to build a resilient economy that protects the environment while creating decent employment opportunities.
“May our discussions today inspire stronger partnerships, innovative ideas, and practical solutions that contribute to Ghana’s sustainable development goals and climate commitments,” he said.
Dr Hassan Pelpuo said that the fair and exhibition were designed to move beyond policy debates and showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaians who are driving the nation’s green transformation.
“Whether in renewable energy, waste recycling, sustainable construction, agroecology, or eco-friendly manufacturing, our people are proving that green jobs are not just ideas for the future – they are already a reality,” he said.
According to him, Ghana’s transition is not a choice, but a necessity.
“Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the African Union Agenda 2063 all call for economic transformation that safeguards the environment while promoting employment and social inclusion,” he said.
He noted that the ministry, together with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has taken deliberate steps to integrate the National Green Jobs Strategy outcomes into national employment planning and the National Medium-Term Development Framework (2026–2029).
He said the Ministry, working in partnership with key stakeholders and development partners, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), European Union, and GIZ, has made encouraging progress in advancing green jobs development in Ghana.
“Let us seize this moment to build a sustainable, inclusive, and Green Ghana where no one is left behind,” he added.
On his part, Nii Dorgu Dawu I, representing the Ga Mantse, emphasised the traditional role of chiefs in protecting the environment, describing it as a sacred trust for future generations.
“Our traditions have long taught us to reuse, share, and waste little. As Ghana transitions to a sustainable economy, traditional authorities must take the lead in community education, youth mobilisation, and enterprise development,” he said.
He also encouraged young people to embrace new opportunities in the green economy.
“The future of wealth is green. Do not wait for the old jobs of yesterday, prepare yourselves for the new jobs of tomorrow,” he added.
The Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry, Mrs Gloria Borteley Noi, said the dialogue was created to foster knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation in support of Ghana’s climate and development goals.
She explained that the platform aimed to showcase local innovations and encourage collaboration among government, industry, and communities.
“It is important that the voices of workers, employers, and communities are included in shaping policies that define our collective future,” she said.
The event was held under the theme: “Promoting Green Jobs and Circular Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Development.”
The dialogue, which featured an exhibition of innovative green products and technologies by local enterprises, underscored Ghana’s growing leadership in Africa’s green and circular economy transformation, balancing environmental responsibility with economic opportunity and social inclusion.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
