Dr Abdul Rashid-Hassan Pelpuo Calls for Worker Dignity in Business Operations

Minister for Labour, Employment and Jobs, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has urged businesses to place the dignity of workers at the heart of their operations, emphasising the sacrifices employees make daily to meet demand.

Speaking at the launch of a human rights advocacy campaign in Accra on Friday, he warned against sidelining worker welfare in the push for economic growth.

“The dignity of workers cannot be treated as an afterthought in our press to economy growth. Indeed, development without respect for human rights is fragile and unjust,” Dr Pelpuo said.

He explained that respect for dignity means ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, freedom from forced labour, freedom of association, and protection against discrimination. Dr Pelpuo further pledged the government’s commitment to strengthening laws on human rights, particularly in tackling child labour. “Government will continue to strengthen human laws to combat child labour,” he assured.

The minister also stressed that employers should go beyond compliance with labour standards to empower their workforce. “Empower workers and adopt transparent practices,” he urged.

The event, held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, gathered policymakers, civil society organisations, business leaders, and legal experts under the theme: “Spotting and Addressing Human Rights in Hospitality and Supply Chains.”

Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ms Mercy Larbi, also addressed the gathering, reminding businesses of their duty to uphold human rights.

“Companies need to know and ensure that they respect human rights, and they can do this by articulating their commitment to human rights in a policy statement,” she said, stressing that compliance is crucial for building sustainable and ethical businesses.

The campaign launch featured a panel discussion on ways to strengthen worker protections in Ghana, particularly in the hospitality sector and across supply chains. Panellists called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and civil society to ensure fair labour practices and uphold human dignity in business growth.

The initiative is expected to provide a platform for greater advocacy and reforms, ensuring that businesses deliver not only quality services but also justice, fairness, and respect for workers.