The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR) is calling on Ghanaians to seize opportunities presented by the National Green Jobs Strategy (2021-2025) for creating green jobs, emphasising its potential for socio-economic development.

The government's commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the implementation of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) underscores the importance of green initiatives in the country.

The green economy is seen as a significant avenue for job creation and livelihood empowerment, given the right mix of economic and labour policies.

The National Green Jobs Strategy aims to coordinate and harmonise existing green interventions across various economic sectors.

The multi-sectorial approach involves enhancing institutional capacities, developing green skills and occupations, promoting green enterprises, and mobilising funds to support economic activities in green sectors.

Speaking at a sensitisation and awareness event on the National Green Jobs Strategy in Ho, the Head of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Rev. Charllotte Hanson, urged Ghanaians to explore green job opportunities.

“While seeking white-collar jobs is not wrong, the National Green Jobs Strategy also supports green enterprises for decent job creation. Many successful entrepreneurs have ventured into their own businesses, which fall under the green category. We encourage the youth to consider green businesses for socio-economic development,” Rev. Hanson stated.

She highlighted examples such as fish-farming, bead-making, liquid soap manufacturing, bag and clothing production, emphasising that these are green areas where the youth can skill up for economic development.

A Senior Development Planning Officer at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Adjei, noted that the initiative aims for a socially inclusive transition from the current brown economy to a green or circular economy. 

The initiative ensures that the transition does not negatively impact workers’ livelihoods and that the labour force is prepared for the potential decent job creation in the green economy.

The Paris Agreement’s obligations to reduce emissions align with the green jobs initiative, contributing to a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.

The event, attended by development planners, district assembly staff, and other stakeholders, served as a platform to raise awareness about the benefits and opportunities within the green job sector.