Gov’t close to getting A – Former Labour Minister rates job creation’s performance

Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of State for Special Initiatives, has given the government a B+ rating for its job creation efforts, expressing optimism that it is nearing an A grade despite persistent unemployment concerns. The former Labour Minister, reassigned from the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, shared his assessment during an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.

Pelpuo clarified that the government's employment strategy extends beyond public sector recruitment, emphasizing a multisectoral approach that involves various ministries, departments, and private-sector stakeholders to create jobs. He highlighted that the government has been collecting employment figures from multiple ministries and agencies, which are currently being compiled.

Pelpuo cautioned that presenting an estimated number of jobs created at this stage would be premature, as the government aims to provide a definitive figure upon completion of the compilation process.

Regarding the government's 24-hour economy policy, Pelpuo acknowledged that it is beginning to take shape within the private sector, with several companies operating on a 24-hour basis. He personally visited around 10 private companies implementing round-the-clock operations, and the government has identified more than 400 businesses interested in participating in the initiative.