The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Hassan Rashid Pelpuo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting human rights in the workplace, stressing that economic growth must never come at the expense of human dignity.
Speaking at the launch of the Human Rights Advocacy Campaign in the Hospitality Sector at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo commended organizers for their initiative, describing it as “timely and urgent.” He emphasized that respect for human rights is central to sustainable development, adding that “development without respect for human rights is fragile, short-lived, and unjust.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of upholding workers’ rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, freedom from discrimination, and protection against forced and child labor. He noted that fair labor practices are not just the right thing to do, but are key to productivity, innovation, and national growth.
Dr. Pelpuo cited the recent launch of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights as evidence of the government’s determination to protect citizens against business-related human rights abuses. He urged industry leaders to take proactive measures to protect workers, including due diligence, ethical sourcing, transparent operations, and worker empowerment.
The Minister called for collective action to integrate human rights in all workplaces and pledged the Ministry’s full support, affirming that Ghana’s prosperity must rest on dignity, safety, and respect for every worker.
