Accra: The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has called on multinational enterprises to prioritize their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities towards their employees before extending such initiatives to their operational communities. This message was conveyed during a high-level corporate national dialogue organized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) focused on realizing decent work conditions in Ghana's multinational enterprises (MNEs).
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Joyce Abdulai, Senior Human Resource Officer at the GIPC, emphasized the importance of starting CSR with employees. She remarked that CSR should not be limited to philanthropic efforts but should prioritize providing employees with good working conditions and necessary resources to enhance their effectiveness. This approach, she argued, is crucial for creating a sustainable and supportive work environment.
Madam Abdulai also highlighted the requirements under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865) and the Technology Transfer Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1547). These regulations require multinational enterprises to submit a Technology Transfer Agreement, which outlines the training and skill transfer methods for Ghanaians within these companies. She stressed that companies must detail their plans for conducting training and skill transfer activities under this agreement.
Additionally, Madam Abdulai reiterated the legal expectation that Ghanaian citizens should be prioritized for employment over expatriates when they possess similar qualifications and experience. She praised companies like Fan Milk Limited for adhering to the Technology Transfer Agreement by ensuring Ghanaians hold management positions. However, she expressed concern over the lack of necessary skills and qualifications among the local workforce in certain communities, posing challenges for companies in providing suitable employment opportunities.
In response to a query about the information available to investors before establishing operations in Ghana, Madam Abdulai assured that all relevant laws, including workers' rights, are provided to investors and accessible on the GIPC's website for their review.