Ghana celebrates the world day for safety and health at work 2025

ACCRA, Ghana, (ILO News) — On 28–29 April 2025, Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work under the theme “Emerging Technologies and their Impact on Workers’ Health and Safety.” With financial and technical support from the ILO’s ACCEL Africa Project, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment led national and community-level commemorative events, reaffirming its commitment to making occupational safety and health (OSH) a fundamental right at work.

At the national event held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, emphasized the government's resolve to address OSH challenges in a rapidly digitizing world. “Only through social dialogue can workers, employers and governments come together to tackle the complex issues surrounding AI and employment,” echoed ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo in a statement featured during the event.

The day featured an expert-led forum on AI and digitalization as well as mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Speakers from the Ghana Employers Association, Ghana Trades Union Congress, the ILO, and OSH professionals from academia and industry shared actionable insights on using digital tools to enhance workplace safety.

Beyond the capital, the spirit of the day resonated in the Western North Region, where a district-level event targeted workers in the cocoa and artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sectors. At Sefwi Nkatieso in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality, over 100 community members gathered to discuss real-life OSH challenges. Participants engaged in interactive sessions on agrochemical safety, hazardous mining practices, and the risks of informal sector work.

The chemicals used are slowly poisoning our land and our food. We are seeing diseases we’ve never seen before.

Nana Kofi Seth, a local elder

Similarly, long-time farmer Opanin Kojo Aryeh highlighted how economic pressures prevent farmers from using protective gear.

People know the risks, but they can’t afford the gear.

Recommendations from the community event emphasized stronger enforcement against illegal mining, subsidized safety gear, regular training, and the development of alternative livelihoods.

Through the ACCEL Africa Project, which supports cocoa and gold supply chains in Ghana, these commemorations provide more than awareness—they mobilize stakeholders around practical steps to improve workplace safety and reduce child labour. The celebrations also served as a platform to strengthen collaborations among government agencies, workers, employers, and communities, ensuring that no worker is left behind in Ghana’s journey toward safer, healthier workplaces.