On Monday, 18th March, 2025, the Commissioner of Barbados , H. E Juliette Bynoe- Sutherland in the company of Azeb Tadesse PhD, Deputy Director of Capacity Building Center paid a courtesy call on the Labour Minister, Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Pelpuo in Accra.
The visit served as an opportunity for Ghana and Barbados to deepen bilateral relations, focusing on addressing Labour challenges in both countries.
Hon. Dr. Abdul Rashid Pelpuo indicated that Ghana is faced with high unemployment rates among university graduates with over 2000 students graduating annually, while Barbados is faced with high labour shortages. He said to address these issues, there is the need for clear labour strategies for a labour market exchange which will facilitate opportunity for Ghanaian workers in Barbados. The Minister added that the move by Barbados to seek for guidance will go a long way to create a labour market exchange for both countries.
The Hon. Minister recalled that following President John Dramani Mahama’s comment at the recently held African Union summit to handle Ghana’s biggest challenge which is labour, he would love to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and a Bilateral Agreement with Barbados to facilitate labour migration between the two countries.
The Commissioner congratulated the Hon. Minister for his appointment as Labour Minister. She highlighted the existing relationship between Ghana and Barbados which includes the export of Ghanaian nurses in 2019.
She emphasized the importance of strategic engagement to avoid scarcity issues and maintained a balance between the two countries.
The Commissioner also identified areas for potential partnership which includes healthcare, economics, and research.
In the healthcare, she stated there is the need for dermatologists, cardio professionals, nurses and other medical specialists. Economists, statisticians, researchers, economic experts could also contribute to the development of both countries.
Additionally teachers and educational professionals could be exchanged to enhance educational standards.The energy and engineering sectors also offer opportunities for cooperation, with engineers, oil and gas professionals, and experts in renewable energy being in high demand. Furthermore, professionals specializing in occupational safety and health could be shared to improve workplace safety and health standards she added.
Hon. Rashid also mentioned plans to review Ghana’s labor act to address labor shortages and emerging issues, such as the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology on the work force which would promote economic growth.
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