The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has officially inaugurated a special task force to enforce workplace health, safety and environmental standards in factories, offices, shops and other establishments across the Ashanti Region.
The initiative—part of a national rollout—is designed to strengthen labour inspection, promote compliance, and protect the welfare, dignity and safety of workers across the country. The task force operates under full legal backing from the Factories, Offices and Shops Act, 1970 (Act 328) and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
Legal Mandate and Purpose of the Task Force
The newly inaugurated task force has the legal authority to:
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Conduct unannounced inspections at workplaces
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Investigate safety risks and reported hazards
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Enforce health and safety regulations
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Promote safer work environments through compliance and education
According to the Ministry of Labour, the aim is to decentralise oversight and bring effective occupational safety governance closer to communities and workplaces.
Nationwide Rollout of Workplace Safety Compliance Initiative
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, Dr Pelpuo said the initiative represents a major step in improving workplace monitoring across Ghana.
“By establishing this regional task force, we are bringing part of the operational strength at the capital closer to the communities, enterprises and workers who need to be protected,” he said.
He emphasised that the task force is expected to provide quicker response, stronger oversight and clearer accountability in ensuring worker safety.
Roles and Expectations for Task Force Members
Dr Pelpuo charged the members to support labour officers at regional and district levels through:
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Advocacy
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Targeted workplace inspections
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Field coordination
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Enforcement of national safety standards
He urged them to uphold professionalism and commitment, adding that government alone cannot ensure workplace safety.
Workers, he noted, must also take responsibility by reporting hazards, observing safety procedures and participating in training programmes.
