The Minister-designate for Labour, Employment, and Job Creation, Rashid Pelpuo, has issued a stern warning against the abuse of Ghanaian workers by foreign companies operating in the country.
During his vetting session at the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, Mr Pelpuo stated that any foreign company found guilty of mistreating Ghanaian workers would face the full wrath of the law.
He assured that under his leadership, workers would enjoy safer and fairer working conditions.
In response to concerns regarding the exploitation of Ghanaian employees in foreign-owned companies, including instances of harassment and physical abuse, Mr Pelpuo firmly stated that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
He reiterated his commitment to human rights and workplace safety, stressing that the law strictly prohibits worker abuse and that he intends to ensure all workers are treated with the dignity they deserve.
"Human rights is one of the areas I particularly show direct interest in," he said.
"In fact, when I even watch television and see people suffering elsewhere, it moves me. Right here in my own country, it is something I want to enforce – that people have the right to work, the right to safety, and that abuse should never happen," he stated.
He expressed his personal dedication to protecting workers' rights, underscoring that any abuse of Ghanaian workers, whether domestically or abroad, would be swiftly addressed. "It’s against the law, and it should not happen," he affirmed.
The issue of mistreatment in foreign companies has long been a concern, with numerous reports of unsafe working environments, unfair pay, and other forms of exploitation.
In addition to addressing these critical concerns, he discussed the ongoing review of the Labour Act (Act 651), which some critics argue does not sufficiently address workplace harassment and violence. While acknowledging the law’s existing framework, he stressed the need for better enforcement and highlighted the importance of adapting the legislation to the changing work environment, driven by technological advances and evolving labour market trends.
"The Labour Act defines our approval of labour relations," Pelpuo explained. "The issues we face are not gaps in the Act. What’s lacking is the full implementation of the Act’s legal provisions. But I understand that, given changes in the labour market and workplace reforms, we must review it again."
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