Ghana has launched the Decent Work Country Programme Phase III (DWCP III) for 2026–2030, with renewed focus on job creation, social protection, and inclusive economic growth.

The initiative is expected to reinforce the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment and improving working conditions, while strengthening the country’s labour market and promoting sustainable development over the next five years.

The third phase of the programme is anchored on three key priorities: the creation of more decent and sustainable jobs; increased access to and use of quality, resilient, inclusive, gender-responsive and digitised social protection; and the promotion of rights at work in line with international labour standards.

The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, whose speech was read on his behalf by the Chief Director, Hamidu Adakruogu, in Accra on Thursday, indicated that Phase III builds on previous successes while addressing persistent labour market challenges, particularly among the youth and vulnerable groups.

He stated that the programme reflected government’s renewed determination to tackle labour market challenges and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

Dr Pelpuo noted that government would continue to modernise labour legislation, improve occupational safety, and extend social protection to workers in the informal sector. He added that efforts would also be intensified to promote gender equality through equal pay and improved maternity protection.

Mr Adakruogu described the International Labour Organisation as a trusted partner in promoting labour standards and strengthening institutional capacity.

The programme also seeks to promote equal pay for equal work, enhance maternity protection, and remove barriers that hinder women’s participation in the labour market.

Mr Adakruogu called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, organised labour, and development partners, to actively support the implementation of the programme.

The Director of the ILO Country Office in Ghana and Liaison for ECOWAS, Dr Vanessa Phala, described the DWCP III as a critical strategic framework to guide coordinated support to Ghana’s labour sector.

She explained that the programme was developed through an extensive consultative process that began in 2018, but its rollout was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and new ILO guidelines.

Dr Phala noted that the launch marked the beginning of a new phase, adding that mechanisms, including a steering committee, would be established to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

She further indicated that an evaluation would be conducted at the end of the programme period to assess performance, identify gaps, and inform future policy direction.

Dr Phala commended Ghana’s tripartite system involving government, employers, and workers, describing it as a model for effective social dialogue.