Government Launches Labour Market Information System to Connect Job Seekers to Opportunities
The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, has announced the development of a Labour Market Information System aimed at making it easier for job seekers to access available employment opportunities across Ghana.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Pelpuo explained that the new system forms part of government’s broader, multi-sectoral approach to job creation, particularly for young people. According to him, employment opportunities exist across various sectors but are often scattered and difficult for job seekers to identify.
“My office has a multi-sectoral approach to creating jobs. The jobs are scattered all around, so mine is to make sure I monitor what is happening, draw the attention of young people to them, and create opportunities for them to have access to all the labour areas that are available,” he said.
Dr Pelpuo described the Labour Market Information System as a central electronic platform where job vacancies from different institutions and sectors can be uploaded and accessed by the public. He said the system is designed to provide a consolidated and structured view of the labour market, making it easier for users to find relevant opportunities.
He revealed that the ministry has already engaged private sector players to encourage them to use the platform, highlighting its efficiency compared to traditional recruitment methods.
“Last year, we had a conference or seminar with a lot of private sector people. You don’t need to go advertising and getting people to apply. Just put it there, and you’ll get responses,” the minister noted.
According to Dr Pelpuo, organisations using the platform will be able to update their vacancies regularly, ensuring that job listings remain current.
“At every point in time, you can say there are 10 jobs today, tomorrow there are 20 jobs available. It’s a dynamic process,” he said.
Users will be required to sign up before accessing the system. Dr Pelpuo described the platform as “information on the labour market presented in a consolidated and structured way and accessible to different users.”
The minister also attributed the relatively calm labour front to constant engagement and coordination with key stakeholders, including labour unions and leaders.
“It’s a coordination from my end of all the issues that are likely to create labour disturbance. It is also the cooperation with the labour leaders who I work and speak with,” he said.
He added that close collaboration with the Minister of Finance remains crucial in addressing labour-related challenges, particularly those involving wages and benefits.
“I work with the Minister of Finance a lot because it is the heart of it all. How do we respond to challenges on labour seeking benefits or legally acceptable responses from the government?” he asked.
Dr Pelpuo noted that government is taking a cautious approach to managing the economy while responding to labour demands, stressing the need to stabilise the economy and avoid spending decisions that could slow down recovery.
“We are working with an economy that can give or not be able to give. We need time to stabilise it and make it efficient, and we are being careful not to spend in ways that can reduce the speed of economic recovery,” he said.
