Dr. Rashid Pelpuo Unveils Health and Safety Task Force to Enforce Compliance in Workplaces in Ashanti Region
The Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment has officially launched a Health and Safety Enforcement and Compliance Special Task Force to strengthen workplace safety across the Ashanti Region. The launch, led by Labour Minister Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, is part of a strategic effort to support the Factory Inspectorate Agency in ensuring that employers comply with occupational health and safety laws.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that workplace safety is a cornerstone of sustainable development and productivity. He expressed concern that, despite legal requirements, many employers have not prioritized the health and safety of their employees. He attributed this to the limited workforce within the Factory Inspectorate Agency, which has hindered regular inspections and enforcement.
“Ensuring workplace safety is not optional—it is a fundamental right of every worker,” Dr. Pelpuo stated. “This new task force, equipped with a digital compliance application, will allow inspectors to monitor, register, and verify company certifications in real-time, thereby enhancing accountability and adherence to safety standards.”
The digital compliance app, a key component of the initiative, is designed to streamline inspections, enable prompt reporting, and foster a culture of compliance among employers. Dr. Pelpuo also called on workers to remain vigilant and report any unsafe working conditions, assuring them that their rights would be fully protected under the law.
Mr. Daniel Ayikwei, Chairman of the Health and Safety Compliance Committee, urged the task force to execute its duties with diligence, stressing that the initiative would help create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces throughout the Ashanti Region.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman for the ruling National Democratic Congress, Mr. Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi, commended the Ministry for the timely intervention. He noted that the initiative would not only enhance workplace safety but also contribute to reducing youth unemployment, as safer and compliant workplaces encourage business growth and job creation, ultimately benefiting the regional economy.
The launch of the task force comes against the backdrop of recent workplace accidents, which have highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Stakeholders have praised the initiative as a significant step toward ensuring that workplaces in the Ashanti Region meet the highest health and safety standards.
With enhanced manpower, modern technology, and rigorous regulatory oversight, the Ministry of Labour’s new task force is poised to transform workplace safety enforcement, offering a model that other regions in Ghana could emulate.
