The government, through the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), is revamping the Labour Department by establishing Public Employment Centres (PECs) in all 16 regions.
This initiative, part of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP) and funded by the World Bank, aims to boost job opportunities and improve skills training across the nation.
Each regional PEC offers resources to help employers and jobseekers connect through the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS), a centralised platform with job listings and skill requirements for various roles.
Speaking at the Konongo-Odumase PEC’s opening, Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah acknowledged the Department’s past challenges in addressing workforce needs and stressed the importance of aligning with the changing job market.
During project planning, the Ministry identified structural issues and outdated resources as obstacles in providing efficient employment services.
According to Mr. Baffour Awuah, the new PECs are designed to address these challenges by improving service quality for jobseekers, employers, and academic institutions.
In addition, the PECs offer resources on labour market trends and skills development, empowering jobseekers to gain expertise in high-demand fields.
The Minister expressed optimism that these centres would help bridge skill gaps and reduce unemployment.
Asante-Akim Central Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Robert Yaw Kwarkye, praised the PECs as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating unemployment and better tracking employment rates within local communities.