Ghana reviews employment policy to identify green job opportunities

Ghana is revising its National Employment Policy to tackle labor market issues and discover ways to generate decent jobs as it transitions to a greener economy. This review was emphasized during a two-day workshop at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment in Accra, from October 27-28, 2026. The event gathered representatives from government bodies, labor unions, business leaders, and development partners to evaluate findings and suggestions aimed at improving employment results.

During the workshop's opening address, Mrs. Joyce Gifty Bosomprah, the Principal Director of General Administration at the Ministry, called for employment policies grounded in evidence to adapt to evolving labor market dynamics. She highlighted youth unemployment, underemployment, skill mismatches, informal work, and digital transformation as critical challenges that must be addressed within employment strategy planning.

Mrs. Bosomprah explained that the Green Employment Diagnostics Report would help pinpoint sectors with substantial potential for generating green jobs and evaluate how the shift to a sustainable economy might impact workers and businesses. She clarified that the evaluation of the National Employment Policy, which was established in 2015, would examine its execution and decide if it remains pertinent to Ghana's present and future employment challenges.

According to her, transitioning to a greener economy could foster innovation, spur new economic activities, facilitate skills development, and generate decent work prospects. However, she emphasized that unlocking these advantages necessitates intentional policy choices, sufficient investment, and cohesive efforts from government, employers, workers, and development partners.

Mrs. Bosomprah requested participants to thoroughly examine the report's findings and proposed measures to ensure the recommendations are practical, feasible, and in line with Ghana's development objectives. The Ministry also acknowledged the ongoing technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in advancing the country's employment policy objectives.

The review is anticipated to guide policy responses to changing labor market conditions and the potential employment prospects arising from Ghana's shift towards a greener economy.