'We care about what you do to help us' – Labour Minister commends Ghanaian media at maiden soirée

The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Pelpuo has underscored the critical role of the media in Ghana’s governance and development, stating that his ministry deeply values the work journalists do in supporting and informing the public. 

He made this remark during his address at the maiden Media Soirée organised by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry in Accra on Friday, January 16.

Welcoming media practitioners to the event, Dr Pelpuo expressed profound gratitude for their presence and continuous commitment to educating the public on matters of national interest, particularly activities of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment. 

He acknowledged that throughout the first year of the new administration, led by President John Mahama, the media had shown dedication in reporting government actions truthfully and consistently.

The Minister noted that public feedback praising the ministry’s visibility and effectiveness was largely due to the efforts of journalists who carried government messages to the doorsteps of Ghanaians. 

He further emphasized that the media plays an indispensable role in fulfilling the government’s social contract with the people and described the press as an integral part of the governance system, often referred to as the “fourth arm of government.”

"I don't know whether this will be the first time a minister is showing such gratitude. I thought it's important that those who do the reporting on our behalf to the people of Ghana, in fulfillment of our commitment to them, and also in fulfillment also to our social responsibility, our  social contract to serve the people after they have voted for us.  You have helped us carry this message  to the doorsteps of the people," he said.

Soirée 

Dr Pelpuo explained that the Media Soirée was deliberately kept informal to create space for open interaction, suggestions, and constructive criticism from journalists. 

He assured media professionals that his doors remain open and reaffirmed a partnership built on mutual support, saying, “We are at your back, just as you are at our back.”

"I tell myself the reason is that  there are some people who are doing the work.  Maybe we simply  are minding our business.  But some people continue to report  and tell  the truth about what we see  and what we do."

Achievements 

Highlighting achievements over the past year, the Minister cited successful negotiations with organized labour, which resulted in a 9 per cent increase in the minimum wage and base salary. 

He also referenced engagements with over 50 organizations facing labour-related challenges, noting that these negotiations helped maintain industrial harmony and ensure a smooth-running workforce.

According to Dr Pelpuo, Ghana’s improved economic standing—moving from 10th to 8th position among Africa’s richest countries within a year—was partly due to a committed workforce and a responsible press that tells Ghana’s story accurately. 

He further pointed to broader economic gains, including improved foreign reserves equivalent to over three months of imports, reduced pressure on fuel, power, transport, and import prices, and better export security.

In concluding his remarks, the Minister stressed that good governance remains the foundation for national prosperity and citizens’ well-being. 

He thanked senior journalists for honouring the invitation and described the soirée not as an end, but the beginning of deeper engagement between the ministry and the media, promising further steps and continued collaboration in the future.

In attendance were Deputy Director in Charge of Admn, Mrs Joyce Senyo, Chief Director, Mr Hamidu Adaklugu, Legal Council for the Ministry, Mr Daniel Kumalor, Head of PR, Mr Eyram Torttimeh, Acting Labour Officer, Mr Dauda Braimah, and Director of Labour and Employment, Mr Nhyira Sarfo.