Africa-Press – Ghana. The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, has unveiled the first batch of 47 newly trained Labour Compliance Officers and Inspectors, to ensure that businesses comply with labour laws and regulations.
The Labour Compliance Officers and Inspectors Task Force has a three-fold role: Enforcing labour laws, providing technical advice and guidance, and bringing attention to any defects or abuses not specifically addressed by existing laws.
All 16 regions of the country will experience comprehensive coverage by the Labour Compliance Officers and Inspectors.
Speaking at the event in Accra, Mr Hamidu Adakurugu, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, said the unveiling of the first batch of 47 Labour Compliance Officers and Inspectors, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s drive to strengthen the culture of compliance and workplace safety across the length and breadth of Ghana.
This initiative, he said represents a cornerstone of the Government’s commitment to resetting Ghana—building a nation where every institution works, every law was enforced, and every worker was protected.
He noted that under the exemplary leadership of Dr Abudl-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, whose unwavering support, and strategic vision made the transformation possible, they had constituted the Special Taskforce on Workplace Inspections and Compliance.
He said they had created a direct response to the urgent need to operationalize the mandates of the Factories, Offices and Shops Act (FOSA), Act 328, and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) more effectively.
He said these legal frameworks were not merely documents—they were the pillars that uphold decent work, ensure safe environments, protect workers’ rights, and sustain investment confidence in our economy.
“As we reset our nation, we are resetting workplace safety standards and labour compliance across Ghana. The era of unsafe workplaces ends today,” Mr Adakurugu stated.
He noted that compliance was not punishment—it is partnership between government, employers, workers, and investors.
Adding that when workplaces adhere to the law, they create conditions that are safer, more productive, and attractive to both local and international investors. Compliance builds trust—and trust is the currency of development.
“However, let me be clear: this partnership requires commitment from all parties. Where partnership fails, enforcement will prevail. We will not negotiate with worker safety,” he said.
“It is in light of this vision that the Ministry has recruited and thoroughly trained this exceptional batch of inspectors, selected not only for their technical competence but also for their integrity, commitment to service, and understanding of the new standards we are setting.
“These inspectors are not enforcers of fear; they are ambassadors of reform and guardians of worker safety.”
He said their mission encompasses ensuring full compliance with FOSA and Labour Act standards, educating and supporting workplaces to achieve adherence, protecting vulnerable workers—women, youth, and persons with disabilities, conducting systematic inspections across all sectors, and documenting violations while ensuring swift corrective action.
Mr Adakurugu said as they deploy these gallant men and women across regions, sectors, and industries, understand the scope of their authority: every factory, office, and shop in Ghana falls under their jurisdiction.
He said that no workplace was too small, no business too remote for inspection, declaring that urban and rural workplaces alike must meet their standards.
He said every worker deserves dignity, safety, and respect—and that their inspectors would ensure this becomes reality.
Mr Adakurugu urged the newly trained Inspectors to carry the torch of transformation, saying “Let your work be guided by fairness, professionalism, and the unwavering spirit of public service”.
He assured them that they had the full authority of the state to enter any workplace where Ghanaians earn their living, shut down dangerous operations when worker safety was threatened, hold employers accountable to the highest standards, and protect every worker’s right to a safe working environment.
“Let no bribe, no bias, and no bureaucracy derail you from the noble mission we have entrusted to you,” he said.
“You are not just inspectors—you are custodians of national progress and worker dignity.”
Mr Lionel Anim Boateng, Project Manager, Special Taskforce on Workplace Inspections and Compliance at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment reminded Members of the Task Force that workplace safety and security were now in their hands.
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