Dr Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives, recently delivered a B+ rating to the government’s performance in job creation, signaling a move towards an ‘A’ grade despite ongoing concerns regarding unemployment levels across Ghana. The assessment, released during an interview with Citi FM, highlights a complex and evolving strategy aiming to expand employment opportunities beyond the public sector. Dr. Pelpuo, who was recently reassigned from the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, underscored the government’s approach extends beyond simply direct recruitment, emphasizing the creation of employment across multiple sectors of the economy.
When questioned about the government’s job creation record over the past year and a half, Dr. Pelpuo stated, ‘I think we’ve gotten a B. Even B+. We’re getting close to A,’ reflecting a cautious optimism regarding progress. He explained that the government’s employment strategy is multifaceted, encompassing collaboration between various ministries, departments, and private sector entities. Specifically, he emphasized the implementation of a ‘multisectoral approach,’ indicating that the government is actively working to generate employment across a diverse range of industries.
Dr. Pelpuo further elaborated that the government has adopted a ‘multi-sectoral approach’ to job creation, emphasizing the importance of accounting for the total number of jobs created since taking office. He acknowledged that the government has yet to complete the collation of figures to determine the precise number of jobs completed. He stated, ‘We have written to all the ministries and government agencies to give me the number of jobs that have been created so far.’ He added that several ministries and government agencies have submitted their employment figures, which are currently being compiled. He expressed hope that by the time the data is finalized, the government will be able to concretely state the exact number of jobs created.
Dr. Pelpuo also addressed the government’s 24-hour economy policy, noting that it is already taking shape within certain segments of the private sector. He explained that some companies have already begun operating on a 24-hour basis, with the government identifying over 400 businesses interested in participating in the initiative. Dr. Pelpuo visited approximately 10 private companies operating on a round-the-clock basis, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more continuous employment landscape. He maintained that the government has identified a substantial number of businesses eager to join the 24-hour economy initiative. The government’s initial focus was on sectors where the 24-hour operation was already being piloted, with a significant portion of the initiative being directed towards the private sector. He highlighted that the government’s initial approach focused on identifying and engaging businesses interested in operating on a 24-hour basis, contributing to a significant expansion of employment opportunities across the country. The assessment underscores a deliberate strategy to diversify the economy and create a wider range of job roles, with significant emphasis placed on bolstering employment across various sectors.
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Source: Adom Online
