Ghana Unveils Decent Work Programme to Boost Jobs, Social Protection, and Labour Rights
The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment has launched Decent Work Country Programme III (DWCP) for 2026–2030 to provide a clear and coordinated framework to drive job creation, strengthen social protection systems, and uphold labour standards across the country.
The programme developed in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Ghana’s tripartite partners is strategically aligned with national development priorities, global labour standards, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The DWCP is anchored on three key priority areas: the creation of more decent and sustainable jobs, particularly in response to youth unemployment and economic pressures; the expansion of access to inclusive, gender-responsive, and digitised social protection systems; and the promotion of rights at work through strengthened national labour standards, including ongoing efforts to revise Ghana’s labour laws.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Chief Director, Hamidu Adakurugu, commended stakeholders for their sustained collaboration and resilience throughout the development process.
The ILO Country Director, Dr Vanessa Phala, described the DWCP as a “forward-looking strategic framework” that will enhance the delivery of coordinated technical support, legal assistance, and resource mobilisation to advance the decent work agenda in Ghana.
She explained that the programme’s development began in 2018 with a comprehensive diagnostic study and broad stakeholder consultations.
Although the process experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving global guidelines, it was revisited and validated in 2024 to reflect current labour market dynamics and emerging national priorities, she said.
The ILO further underscored Ghana’s strong tradition of social dialogue, noting that its tripartite system, bringing together government, employers, and workers, remains a model of effective collaboration and will be instrumental to the successful implementation of the programme.
The launch signals the commencement of a structured implementation phase, with a steering committee to be established to oversee execution, track progress, and ensure accountability.
Periodic evaluations will also be conducted to measure impact, capture lessons, and inform future policy direction.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the programme will make a significant contribution to reducing poverty, addressing inequality, and improving livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable groups.
They called on the media and the public to actively support the initiative by amplifying awareness and deepening understanding of its objectives, as Ghana advances its commitment to inclusive and sustainable labour development.
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