Ghana Launches Decent Work Country Programme III to Boost Jobs and Social Protection

The Government of Ghana has officially launched the Ghana Decent Work Country Programme III (DWCP III) 2026–2030, a five-year strategic framework aimed at promoting productive employment, expanding social protection, and strengthening rights at work in line with international labour standards.

The Programme focuses on three core pillars: productive job creation, expansion of social protection systems, and the promotion of rights at work, consistent with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) strategic objectives. It was launched at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment (MLJE) in Accra, bringing together representatives from government, employers’ organisations, organised labour, the ILO, and development partners.

DWCP III also places strong emphasis on occupational safety and health, workplace wellness, gender equality, skills development, digital transformation, and the future of work, particularly within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo (MP), in a keynote address delivered on his behalf, described DWCP III as a critical instrument for advancing inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development.

“The Decent Work Country Programme remains a key framework through which Ghana advances its commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development,” he said, noting that the programme aligns with national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.

According to the Minister, the third phase builds on lessons from earlier programmes while responding to persistent labour market challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, and informality—particularly among young people and vulnerable groups.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue, modernising labour legislation, improving workplace conditions, and extending social protection to workers in the informal economy.

The Director of the ILO Country Office, Ms Vanessa Phala, noted that DWCP III is the result of a robust, inclusive, and consultative process involving government, employers’ and workers’ organisations.

She traced the programme’s development from an initial diagnostic study conducted in 2018/2019, through validation processes delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, to renewed consultations that culminated in the final document. She explained that the Programme is anchored on three key priorities: the creation of more decent and sustainable jobs; increased access to quality, inclusive, and gender-responsive social protection; and the promotion of rights at work in line with international labour standards.

“The DWCP is a forward-looking document that supports government efforts to achieve job-rich, inclusive, and sustainable growth,” Ms Phala said, assuring stakeholders of the ILO’s continued technical support for its implementation.

Representing employers, the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) strongly endorsed the programme, describing it as a strategic compact to reposition Ghana’s labour market for inclusive and sustainable growth. The Association stressed the importance of enterprise sustainability, demand-driven skills development, and incentive-based transition from informality to formality. It also called for strong institutional coordination, adequate financing, robust monitoring systems, and continuous social dialogue to ensure effective implementation.

Organised labour also pledged full support for the Programme. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) described the DWCP III as a bold and timely step toward securing dignity, equity, and fairness in the world of work, emphasizing that decent work is a right, not a privilege.

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), for its part, underscored that the quality of work shapes the quality of life. It noted that the Programme’s focus on job quality, social protection, and rights at work is essential for social justice, stability, and national development. The GFL called for strong social dialogue and implementation that delivers tangible improvements in the daily lives of workers and their families.

The event culminated in the unveiling, signing, and official launch of the DWCP III document by the representative of the Minister, alongside other representatives of government, employers, workers, and the ILO.

The Government called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, organised labour, civil society, and development partners, to actively support implementation and ensure that DWCP III delivers measurable improvements in employment, working conditions, and social protection for all Ghanaians.