Ignatius Baffour Awuah
The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah has been appointed as a member of the International Advisory Board on the Climate Action for jobs Strategy, an initiative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations (UN).
Mr Baffour Awuah will join the high-level members of the Advisory Board which include Ministers of environment, labour and planning, leaders of employers’ and workers’ organisations and senior officials of the United Nations and development finance institutions who have been engaged to transform commitments made at the UN Climate Action Summit of 2019 into concrete action.
In an appointment letter, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Guy Ryder said the ILO looks forward to working with Mr Baffour Awuah “to achieve far-reaching action on climate change, advance social justice and promote decent jobs”
Announcing the minister’s appointment, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, in a press statement said the invitation of Mr Baffour Awuah to serve on the International Advisory Board on the Climate Action for jobs Strategy, was in recognition of efforts made by the government and the commitment of the Minister towards the development of a national green jobs strategy.
Additionally, the ministry said it was also in recognition of Ghana’s implementation of the National Determined Contributions on Climate Change.
Terms Of Reference
The terms of reference outlining the role, composition, term of office and meeting protocol of the International Advisory Board indicates that members would advise on the overall approach of the Climate Action for Jobs initiative, particularly in relation to its strategic direction.
They are also to counsel on key international developments at the interface of the world of work and climate change and provide overall guidance on operational matters brought to the attention of the board.
Mr Baffour Awuah, who is also MP for the Sunyani West and one other Senegalese are the only two Africans on this 13-member board.
The International Advisory Board is composed of a maximum of two representatives from governments from Africa, America, Asia and Europe; a representative of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); a representative each from the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), United Nations Executive Office of the Secretary-General and the International Labour Office (ILO).
Others are a representative of two international or regional financial institutions, while the ILO serves as the secretariat of the Advisory Board.
BY Daniel Bampoe