Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening social dialogue and promoting industrial harmony as key drivers of Ghana's economic growth and national development.

Opening the 2026 National Labour Conference in Ho, Volta Region, the Vice President said the government would continue to engage employers and organised labour to sustain industrial peace, protect workers' rights and promote decent work across all sectors of the economy.

She emphasised the need for inclusive labour policies that leave no worker behind, particularly those in the informal sector, and urged stakeholders to embrace consensus-building in addressing the country's labour challenges.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of preparing Ghana's workforce for the changing world of work through skills development, labour reforms and adaptation to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, described industrial harmony as indispensable to Ghana's development. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening social dialogue, reducing industrial disputes and implementing key labour reforms, including the Decent Work Country Programme (2026–2030) and the Labour Bill 2026.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said sustainable national development depends on dialogue, trust and strong partnerships between government, employers and organised labour. He expressed confidence that the conference would produce practical recommendations to strengthen Ghana's labour and employment agenda.

Chairman of the conference, Togbe Afede XIV, commended the government, employers and organised labour for maintaining industrial peace despite recent economic challenges. He called for continued investment in critical thinking, skills development and adaptation to technological change to sustain the country's economic progress.

The President of the Ghana Employers' Association (GEA), Nana Dr Emmanuel Adu Sarkodie, said industrial harmony and social dialogue are essential to attracting investment and improving productivity. He proposed a National Home Ownership Programme to address Ghana's housing deficit, arguing that affordable housing would enhance worker productivity, support the 24-Hour Economy and create jobs through the use of locally produced building materials.

The Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, called for the swift passage of the revised Labour Bill, stronger social protection and increased investment in skills development. He also urged the government to address wage disparities and ensure workers receive fair and equitable treatment.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) Director for Anglophone West Africa, Venesa Lerato Phala, called for greater attention to Ghana's informal sector, expanded social protection and the creation of quality jobs for women and young people. She also stressed the need for data-driven wage policies, TVET-led skills development and stronger measures to close the gender pay gap as Ghana reforms its labour market.

The three-day conference has brought together representatives of government, employers, organised labour and development partners to deliberate on the theme: "Strengthening Industrial Harmony as a Catalyst for Accelerated Economic Growth and National Development."