Labour Ministry sensitizes stakeholders on National Green Jobs Strategy

The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), SNV and the European Union (EU), organized a one-day sensitization workshop on the National Green Jobs Strategy for selected heads of departments and journalists in Wa.

The National Green Jobs Strategy is a framework created by the Ministry in partnership with various stakeholders. Its purpose is to establish platforms, develop skills, and implement measures that will reduce job losses and generate decent green jobs in Ghana.

Ghana is facing many environmental challenges that impact the economy and social networks. The effects of climate change have negatively affected some sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and forestry.

Ms. Jamila Ahmed, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, reading the sector Minister's speech on his behalf expressed concern about the impact of climate change, which has recently been exacerbated by illegal mining, commonly referred to as "galamsey."

“Climate change is a big problem caused by bad environmental practices. In Ghana illegal mining activities coupled with bad economic and social practices has exacerbated the issue of climate change.”

She noted that Ghana, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change, is obliged to undertake deliberate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to her, understanding climate change and its impact on the labour market helps in making decisions that protect the labour market and the environment.  

Dr. Lloyd Chabala Ngo, Chief Technical Advisor for the EU Skill Pack Project at the International Labour Organization, stated the need to provide people with new skills to adapt to the green economy.

He mentioned that it is important for Ghana to ensure fair and inclusive transition into the green economy because issues of climate change affect mostly the vulnerable.

“Building resileience within this community through green jobs opportunity is not just an environmental issue but a social and economic necessity. In Ghana, the need for a just transition is eminent. The country efforts to meet its climate targets could potentially affect key sectors like I indicated such agriculture, mining, forestry and energy which together employ a significant portion of the work force.

“The transition to green economy is expected to influence skills demand. The World Bank reports that by 2030, 60 percent of Ghana’s work force would need new skill to adapt to the evolving economy landscape,” he added.

He stated that the report highlights the need to enhance the skills of the workforce to meet the demands of a sustainable economy.

Mr. Jimba Mohammed Ibrahim, Coordinating Director at the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, stated in his address that the Covid-19 pandemic and illegal mining have created an opportunity for Ghana to shift towards sustainable development.