Labor Ministry deploys 47 officers to crack down on unsafe workplaces
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Ministry of Labor, Jobs and Employment has unveiled the first cohort of 47 newly trained Labor Compliance Officers and Inspectors to ensure businesses across Ghana adhere to existing labor laws and workplace safety regulations.
The newly formed Labor Compliance Officers and Inspectors Task Force has a threefold mandate: to enforce labor laws, provide technical advice and guidance, and identify gaps or abuses not adequately addressed by current legislation.
These officers will be deployed across all 16 regions of the country to provide nationwide coverage.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Accra, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Labor, Jobs and Employment, Mr. Hamidu Adakurugu, described the occasion as a pivotal milestone in Ghana’s effort to foster a culture of compliance and workplace safety.
“This initiative marks a cornerstone of the Government’s broader agenda to reset Ghana where every institution functions effectively, every law is upheld, and every worker is protected,” Mr. Adakurugu stated.
He credited the transformation to the strategic leadership of the Minister for Labor, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, whose vision and commitment were instrumental in establishing the Special Taskforce on Workplace Inspections and Compliance.
Mr. Adakurugu said the task force was created in direct response to the urgent need for more robust enforcement of the Factories, Offices and Shops Act (FOSA), Act 328, and the Labor Act, 2003 (Act 651).
“These laws are not mere documents, they are the foundation for decent work, safe environments, the protection of workers’ rights, and sustained investor confidence in our economy,” he emphasized.
He stressed that compliance should not be seen as punishment but as a partnership among government, employers, workers, and investors.
“When workplaces follow the law, they become safer, more productive, and more attractive to both local and international investors. Compliance builds trust, and trust is the currency of development,” he explained.
However, he indicated that this partnership requires commitment and where partnership fails, enforcement will prevail. The ministry will not compromise on worker safety.
Mr. Adakurugu said the newly trained officers were selected for their technical expertise, integrity, and dedication to public service.
“These inspectors are not enforcers of fear; they are ambassadors of reform and guardians of worker safety,” he said.
He urged the officers to carry out their duties with professionalism, fairness, and a commitment to public service.
“You have the full authority of the state to enter any workplace, shut down operations that threaten worker safety, hold employers accountable, and uphold every worker’s right to a safe environment,” Mr. Adakurugu stressed.
