ILO Launches SCORE Phase III in Ghana

ACCRA( ILO News) - The Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO), entered its third phase of implementation in Ghana after its official launch in Accra.

The third phase of the programme, which is expected to run till 2021, aims to help consolidate the gains in SCORE Training in Ghana over the previous phases, and to expand into the hotel and tourism sector.

It will also bolster efforts to engage private sector partners in a bid to integrate SCORE training into supplier development strategies among enterprises in the country.

ILO Abuja Country Office Director covering Ghana Dennis Zulu, in his remarks, said with the successful implementation of Phases I and II since 2011, 48 potential trainers have been trained in the SCORE training methodology, with 24 certified and BDS services offered to over 180 enterprises, representing more than 12,800 employees in Ghana.

“Many of these SMEs have recorded major improvements in their operations, including up to 50% increased productivity, 35% reduction in waste, better workplace cooperation, 27% reduction in defects, 50% reduction in accidents, increased profits and the mainstreaming of gender,” he said.

Furthermore, he shared his optimism and excitement for the success of SCORE phase III.

Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, who launched the programme, said that the SCORE goals ties in with the mandate of the Ministry, which is to re-energize the productive sector to create more jobs. Furthermore, he said the growth of SMEs is crucial to job creation and economic transformation, as it represents about 85 to 90 percent of businesses in the country.

He observed that programmes aimed at increasing productivity at the work place, like SCORE, which began some six years ago, has greatly helped SMEs in the country to achieve their objectives.

He affirmed his commitment to the programme, saying, “As a ministry with the mandate to ensure decent work outcomes, we are very committed to operationalizing our employment policies fully to address this situation for which decent work and economic growth is crucial.”

Markus Niklaus Paul Dutly, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, in his remarks, said Ghana has been one of its biggest partners in Africa, adding that Switzerland a SCORE project donor in Ghana has continued to support the country’s economic development.

The facilitation of competitiveness and diversification, which features in SCORE, is the second portfolio of Switzerland in its economic relations with Ghana, he said. He called on private sector organizations to engage and shape SCORE Ghana in a way that serves their needs and purposes so SCORE can become long term.

The launch program concluded with the National Programme Manager for the ILO SCORE Programme, Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh providing insights to participants on the activities under the ILO SCORE in the country.