New Minister for Labour Jobs and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, has outlined an agenda centred on job creation, skills development, innovation and industrial growth as he begins work at the ministry.
Mr Agyekum said the ministry must find new ways to respond to the changing world of work, including making better use of research, modern technology and artificial intelligence.
He made the remarks during his first engagement with management and heads of departments at the ministry following his assumption of office.
The minister urged staff to work more closely across departments and to treat the challenges facing the ministry as opportunities to find practical solutions and improve its performance.
One of his proposals is the creation of a dedicated research team to provide evidence for policymaking and help the ministry better understand developments in Ghana’s labour market.
He also called for targeted training to equip staff with the skills needed to use emerging technologies effectively.
Mr Agyekum said artificial intelligence, in particular, could create new opportunities for employment and improve productivity if Ghana prepares its workforce to take advantage of it.
He also proposed mentorship programmes to help students make better connections between what they study and the skills employers are looking for.
The minister called for renewed efforts to strengthen the labour exchange programme, which he said could help connect job seekers with opportunities in the labour market.
Beyond employment policy, Mr Agyekum said the ministry must also pay greater attention to the protection of Ghanaians working abroad while supporting efforts to expand local production.
He cited products such as solar panels as examples of goods that Ghana could produce locally, reducing reliance on imports while creating jobs and supporting industrial development.
The meeting also gave heads of departments and senior management an opportunity to raise concerns and discuss issues affecting their respective institutions.
Chief Director Hamidu Adakurugu, who welcomed the minister on behalf of management, pledged the cooperation and support of staff in implementing his agenda.
Mr Agyekum said such engagements should continue regularly to allow the ministry to review its progress, exchange ideas and address emerging challenges.
His first meeting with ministry officials marks the beginning of his efforts to translate his vision for jobs, skills, innovation and industrial harmony into practical policies and programmes.
