Ghana launches its first Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) profile
Ghana has released its first Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Profile, outlining major system gaps, inspector shortages, informal sector risks, and a roadmap for a coordinated national OSH policy. Supported by the ILO, the profile will guide reforms, legislation, and efforts to strengthen workplace safety across the country.
20 October 2025
Accra (ILO News) - On 17th October 2025, the Government of Ghana officially launched its first-ever Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) profile, providing a comprehensive assessment of the country’s OSH system. The profile, released by the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, provides valuable insights into the existing policy gaps, institutional weakness, resources and the degree of compliance with international standards. It also provides a roadmap for stakeholder consultation for the formulation of strategic interventions, forming the foundation for the development of a coordinated and integrated OSH policy framework. The ILO Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work; and ACCEL Africa Project financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, provided technical and financial assistance to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment in developing the Profile.
The report reveals that while Ghana has made notable strides in improving workplace safety, the absence of a centralised authority has resulted in fragmented OSH governance, with overlapping mandates across multiple agencies overseeing OSH in the country. According to Mr Richard Achaempong , Head of Administration of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, the findings will help address these overlaps and promote a more coordinated oversight mechanism to foster a safer and conducive workplace culture for all workers.
Other key findings of the OSH Profile included:
- Limited enforcement capacity with only 53 active OSH inspectors nationwide, thus far below the recommended threshold.
- Weak mechanisms for recording and analysing occupational injuries and diseases. Over 70% of Ghana’s workforce operates in the informal economy, with minimal OSH coverage, making the informal sector vulnerable to injuries and diseases.
- Limited occupational health services with only 20% coverage nationally; few specialized facilities exist.
- Growing interest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and OSH integration among private sector actors.
The Profile is expected to inform national discussions on OSH policy framework and related legislation. Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, emphasized that it will serve as a key resource for stakeholder consultation in the development of Ghana’s OSH policy and legislative framework. He stated, “As we reposition our economy for growth, the Government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative is designed to boost productivity, create sustainable jobs…. through continuous and efficient work systems. However, for this initiative to succeed, we must always guarantee the safety and health of workers… This next phase will ensure that the findings and recommendations from the Profile are translated into clear strategies, institutional reforms, and practical actions across all sectors of the economy”
The Director of Industrial Relations of the Ghana Employers Association, Mr. Joseph Kingsley Amoah, reiterated the importance of promoting workplace safety across all industries to reduce occupational accident and diseases. According to Mr Amoah, such incidents threaten productivity growth and hinder national development.
The OSH Profile Report will serve as a vital tool for policymakers and social partners to informed OSH policy, design targeted OSH programmes as well as the development of a legislation instrument. These are expected to foster the well-being of workers through efficient workplace safety and systems.
The findings are expected to translate into clear strategies, institutional reforms, and practical actions across all sectors of the economy. Integrating these findings and recommendations into the on-going OSH policy, programme and legislation will help institutionalise a culture of prevention, promote greater compliance. It will also strengthen the capacity of institutions and enterprises to uphold the highest standards of workplace safety and health.
As Ghana continues to build collective effort for a safer, healthier and more productive workforce, the OSH Profile Report stands as a major resource for government to ratify the ILO Convention No. 155 and 187. The Convention 155 aims for countries to establish a coherent national OSH framework and ensure safe and healthy working environments at both national and enterprise levels. On the other hand, the ILO Convention No. 187 establishes a comprehensive, promotional framework to strengthen occupational safety and health through systemic, preventative, and tripartite national approaches.
For more information on the OSH profile and its findings, visit the official website of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment : https://www.melr.gov.gh/
Relevant projects
Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa)