The Minister for Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, has warned that Ghana’s economic growth could be undermined if employers fail to prioritise workplace safety and workers’ mental health.
He said no worker should leave home only to return injured, traumatised, or mentally broken because of unsafe working conditions.
The Minister made the remarks during the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebration organised by Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited in partnership with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management at University of Ghana Business School.
The event, supported by Sandvik and Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, focused on improving workplace well-being under the theme: “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
Addressing participants, Dr Pelpuo said psychosocial hazards such as workplace intimidation, harassment, fear, and excessive pressure should be treated as serious threats to productivity and national development.
He stressed that workers are human beings with rights, families, and emotional needs—not machines designed to endure abuse.
“When the mind of a worker is broken, the nation loses strength,” he stated.
He said government remains committed to building systems that prevent workplace harm before it occurs and ensure workers operate in safe environments.
Also speaking at the event, Joseph Awetori Yaro said the global observance highlights the urgent need to reduce occupational injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
Keynote speaker Kwesi Amponsah-Tawiah cited International Labour Organization data showing that nearly 2.93 million workers die annually from occupational accidents and diseases worldwide.
He added that poor workplace mental health conditions contribute to the loss of billions of working days and trillions of dollars globally.
Participants called on organisations to create healthier work environments that protect both the physical and mental well-being of employees.
