UPSA, IWES holds Labour Day public lecture to ensure decent work environment
Report by Ben LARYEA
The Institute of Work, Employment and Society (IWES) under the auspices of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has held this year, International Workers Day (IWD) Labour Day public lecture in Accra under the theme, “Decent Work, Real Recognition: Rising By Merit.
Speaking at the event, Social Policy Analyst and Local Government expert, Dr. Esther Ofei – Aboagye said employment and decent work are fundamental human rights since workers are entitled to recognition and advancement based on merit and not privilege.
She said these rights belongs to all Ghanaians and must apply across the public and the private sector, adding that when people are assured of decent work, the quality of human capital for national development is strengthened as well as stimulate creativity which drives innovation for the growth and development of the country.
“Decent work is not only a labour issue, saying it is essential for national development and enhances productivity, strengthens competiveness and forster social cohesion,” she said noting that Ghanaians are denied these rights due to unemployment under employment which are the vulnerabilities in the informal economy.
She further stated decent work prepares Ghana to seize future opportunities and explained that when work is dignified, safe and rewarding, individual thrive, institutions strengthen and national development becomes sustainable and inclusive and again said that decent work is non-negotiable, fair wages, safe workplaces, freedom of associations are essential pillars for the growth and development of institutions.
Dr. Esther Ofei – Aboagye said Ghana also faces merit gaps and hinted that recruitment process are often opaque with political, social and institutional interferences which distort advancement and therefore called for a meritorious system that ensures fair recruitment and promotion at the work place.
“When people rise by merit, institutions grow stronger, employees gain confidence in the system and are willing to contribute their best and organizational performance improves which becomes a tool for national development and growth,” she said adding that recruitments is often a dependent on who connects you to the top.
For her part, the Ag. Director of IWES, Dr. Mrs. Erika Mamle Osae said the lecture was aimed at interrogating structural inequalities in both the public and the private sector on issues relating to decent work, real recognition at the work place.
In a remark, the Secretary – General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr. Joshua Ansah called for stronger protection for workers particularly in the informal sector and role out policies that will ensure job security, safety and satisfaction for workers.
