The West Africa Conference by the Institution of Occupation Safety and Health (IOSH) focused adoption of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work
The Global body’s West Africa Conference on Occupation Safety and Health held in Accra has been very successful, the chair of the Institution of Occupation Safety and Health (IOSH) Ghana, Edward Debrah has said.
He said, “The conference went really well. The speakers spoke from their hearts about the need for fundamental labour rights to be respected in the country.”
Speaking on the impact of the Health and Safety Bill for the country, Debrah said, “The impact of the bill on the country is enormous.”
He said the bill will ensure standards are followed when it comes to the work environment in the country.
The West Africa Conference by the Institution of Occupation Safety and Health (IOSH) focused adoption of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.
The event, held by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) explored what this adoption means for employers and employees and how workplace health and safety standards can continue to be improved.
Held in Accra, Ghana, on 7 and 8 February 2023, it is IOSH’s third West Africa Conference and drew together professionals, government bodies, corporate organizations, development partners and academics.
Previous regional conferences were held by IOSH in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2020 and 2021, with both attracting about 1,000 delegates. IOSH also set up its West Africa Division in late 2020 to bring members in the region together to share ideas and knowledge to drive standards.
This year’s event was held at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana. The event in Accra featured high-level speakers as well as provided delegates with the chance to network with peers and like-minded professionals.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister of employment and labour relations, Bright Wireko Brobbey has said the government is currently working with stakeholders to get the Health and Safety Bill passed in Parliament by the end of this year.
Wireko Brobbey was clarifying the claim that the country’s Health and Safety Bill is lying before Parliament.
The deputy minister was answering a question on when Ghana’s Parliament will institute a law on occupational health and safety.
Wireko Brobbey said, “the ministry has been working with stakeholders. We are far advanced. We got to cabinet and cabinet perused it and got back to us.”
“This is an area that a lot of collaboration is needed and there are buried interest; the NPA, EPA and the mining sector are all interested. So we need to get on board and really look at all the facets of this law before it gets back to the cabinet and the Attorney General,” the deputy minister said.
He added, “…as we speak now cabinet has referred back to the ministry and we have yet to engage the stakeholders…the good news is that it’s the minister’s target to ensure that by the close of the year, we get it passed.”