MP for Suhum calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws and increased funding for key agencies
The Member of Parliament for Suhum, Hon. Frank Aseidu Bekoe, has called for the rigorous enforcement of Ghana’s Labour Act and a significant increase in resources for key institutions under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.
Speaking to ExpressNewsGhana on the sidelines of a two-day capacity-building workshop jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UNICEF, Hon. Bekoe stressed the importance of Parliament’s oversight role in ensuring effective policy implementation and institutional accountability in the labour sector.
“Labour rights matter. Fair treatment and decent working conditions must not be compromised in this country,” the MP emphasized. “Despite the existence of the Labour Act, its enforcement remains weak, particularly in areas such as occupational health and safety.”
Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), provides a legal framework for employment standards, including provisions for fair remuneration, working hours, employee safety, freedom of association, and protection against workplace discrimination. However, Hon. Bekoe noted that many employers continue to flout these regulations with impunity.
He stressed that employers have a legal and moral obligation to maintain safe working environments, provide necessary protective equipment, ensure timely compensation, and respect the rights of workers. “Unfortunately, enforcement agencies often lack the logistical capacity and financial support to ensure compliance across the country,” he said.
As the Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Employment and Labour Relations, Hon. Bekoe said the committee is committed to advocating for reforms and adequate funding for agencies such as the Labour Commission, Department of Labour, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
“Labour rights have become politicized, which affects employee productivity and morale. This trend must be reversed,” he warned. “Our mandate extends beyond monitoring; we must also champion the reforms needed to make our labour institutions effective.”
Focus on Child Rights and Labour Exploitation Hon. Bekoe also drew attention to the disturbing issue of child labour in parts of Ghana.
Despite legal frameworks such as the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and international conventions Ghana has ratified—including ILO Conventions 138 and 182—child labour pare alleged to persists in agriculture, fishing, mining, and informal trading.
“Children must be protected from economic exploitation and hazardous work that interferes with their education and development,” he stated. “The same agencies responsible for upholding adult labour rights must also be empowered to tackle child labour and enforce child protection laws.”
UNICEF, which co-hosted the workshop, has consistently advocated for stronger inter-agency coordination and public education to eliminate child labour and safeguard children’s rights.
The MP urged Parliament to work collaboratively with civil society, traditional authorities, and international partners to strengthen both the legal and social protection systems for all workers, including vulnerable children.
“This is a matter of national dignity. If we want economic progress, we must invest in the well-being, safety, and rights of our workforce—starting with the most vulnerable,” Hon. Bekoe concluded.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
About Author
