Accra: The Parliamentary Select Committee of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions has called for stronger enforcement of labor laws and increased resources within the sector. This appeal was made on Wednesday during a familiarization visit by the Committee to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, as part of its oversight mandate to review the operations of institutions under its watch.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, the Deputy Ranking of the Committee and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Suhum, emphasized the need to develop a strategic framework to drive job creation and placement. The discussion comes amidst increasing concerns over youth unemployment and its potential link to the rise in drug abuse, betting, and other social vices among young people.

The Committee members inquired about any correlation between high youth unemployment and drug abuse, to which Mr. Hamidu Adakrugu, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, responded that there was no scientific proof supporting this connection. Meanwhile, Madam Mavis Nkansah Boadu, an NPP MP for Afigya Sekyere East and a Committee member, voiced concerns about the lack of adequate legal protection for workers in the informal sector.

Mr. Emmanuel Kwaasi Adjei, Principal Planning Officer at the Ministry, indicated that the Labour Act of 2003 is currently under review to address enforcement and complaint issues, particularly focusing on the protection of informal sector workers. This aligns with the Committee’s call for increased resources, enhanced coordination, and stronger enforcement of labor laws to safeguard workers’ rights and foster job creation.

Mr. Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Yilo Krobo and Committee member, advocated for a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges. He emphasized the need for strengthening partnerships and enhancing collaboration to improve processes and outcomes.

Mr. Joseph Appiah Boateng, the Chairman of the Committee and an NDC MP for Afram Plains South, praised the Ministry’s efforts to promote job creation, protect workers’ rights, and drive economic growth. He highlighted the importance of creating impactful policies that aim to provide employment opportunities for millions of Ghanaians.