Ignatius Baffour-Awuah unveiling the plaque to commission the centre
Minister for Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, has commissioned the newly constructed 16 Public Employment Centres (PECs) across the country for the Labour Department.
Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and queenmothers at Atebubu in the Bono Region to signify the opening of the centres, Mr. Awuah said the PECs have been constructed across the country, with one in each region under the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP).
The centres will host the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS), thus contributing to developing critical skill sets for national economic transformation, minimising the skill mismatches and reducing unemployment.
He stated that the project aims to improve capacities to support skills development and job creation in the country, providing opportunities for the government through the ministry to enhance the capacity of the Labour Department at the national, regional and district levels.
Mr. Awuah highlighted that the Labour Department faces significant constraints regarding the collection and dissemination of information related to interactions in the labour market.
“This information is crucial for employers, jobseekers, training institutions, curriculum developers, and policy makers to make informed decisions about the dynamics of the labour market,” he said.
He disclosed that the PECs provide avenues for jobseekers to inquire about the availability of job vacancies, post their career profiles on the GLMIS, and interact with employers.
He explained that the system offers jobseekers access to a wide range of labour market resources, allowing them to study emerging trends, acquire in demand skills and adjust their career paths to meet the demands of workforce.
He further explained that, individuals seeking employment and employable skills can approach the PECs to inquire about available vacancies, seek the skills they need for jobs and receive advice on how and where to acquire those skills to improve their career path choices.
He concluded that, in addition to the buildings, pick-up vehicles and motorbikes have been made available to the officers at each centre, to enable them to conduct labour inspections, job canvassing and engage other stakeholders for quality service delivery.
Bono East Regional Minister, Kwasi Adu-Gyan, noted that one of the ways to address unemployment is to provide facilities ensuring that jobseekers acquire the skills required by employers.
He stated that information on job vacancies is openly available to all prospective jobseekers, which will help them develop career paths that align with future jobs.
The Regional Minister admonished the people of Atebubu-Amantin Muncipal and the entire Bono East Region to follow up, take an active part, and ensure that the facilities being put in place are well maintained and utilised for their intended purposes.
From Daniel Dayee