The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has called on the youth to embrace employable skills, innovation, and integrity as tools for national development and personal advancement.
This, he said, are the true currency of employability, and reiterated government’s commitment to expanding training opportunities for young people, particularly in the health and allied sectors.
He made this call at the 4th Graduation Ceremony of the Encephal College of Health Technology, in Accra on the theme “Building a Healthier Future: Empowering Youth Through Employable Skills.”
Dr. Pelpuo noted that, the health sector remains one of the most promising areas for job creation, stressing that the graduates must be prepared not only to work but also to innovate and serve humanity with compassion because they are vital agents in achieving Universal Health Coverage and building a healthier, more prosperous Ghana.
He highlighted initiatives such as the National Green Jobs Strategy, Youth Employment Agency’s Skills Modules, and TVET Reforms as key government efforts aimed at equipping the youth with market-relevant skills to meet the demands of an evolving labour market.
He noted that the government, under the leadership of the President, is intensifying efforts to improve the recruitment, training, and deployment of health professionals, especially in underserved communities.
He added that partnerships between the Ministries of Health and Labour are being strengthened to enhance career progression, promote gender equity, and ensure transparent recruitment processes.
Dr. Pelpuo reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to promoting decent work and social dialogue through collaboration with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Labour Department, and National Labour Commission.
He commended the institution for aligning its curriculum with practical and employable skills, urging them to deepen partnerships with government, the private sector, and international organizations to boost internship, research, and entrepreneurship opportunities for students.
Mr. Abdul Fatawu Zakaria who was the guest of honor, pointed out that Ghana’s health system faces a significant human resource gap, noting that the Ministry of Health’s Human Resource Strategy (2021–2025) estimates a need for over 80,000 additional health workers to meet international standards.
He observed that the most critical shortages exist among middle-level health professionals such as pharmacy assistants, facility assistants, and laboratory technicians precisely the categories trained at Encephal College.
He went on to detail specific opportunities awaiting the graduates in their various disciplines. He cited over 3,500 licensed retail pharmacies and 1,200 community chemical shops nationwide for pharmacy assistants, and the growing number of health facilities.
Laboratory technicians, he noted, would find opportunities in public health laboratories, diagnostic centres, and research institutions such as the Noguchi Memorial Institute.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
