The 2026 Annual National Labour Conference has concluded with government, employers, and organised labour unanimously adopting a communiqué — the Ho Declaration — committing Ghana’s social partners to deepen industrial harmony, strengthen social dialogue, and collectively drive accelerated economic growth and national development.
The communiqué, presented by Dr. George Smith‑Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, outlined key resolutions reached during the three‑day meeting.
Dr. Smith‑Graham reaffirmed that industrial harmony is indispensable to sustainable growth, productivity, and job creation. He noted that social partners had pledged to:
- Sustain macroeconomic stability.
- Promote quality employment.
- Support the 24‑Hour Economy initiative as a national project.
- Accelerate economic diversification.
- Reform Ghana’s public sector remuneration system through an Independent Emoluments Commission.
- Strengthen labour institutions, pursue pension reforms, and ensure continuous social dialogue.
The conference further resolved that the National Labour Conference should henceforth be held biennially.
Following the presentation, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment and Chairman of the National Tripartite Committee, sought unanimous approval from delegates. Representatives of organised labour and the Ghana Employers’ Association formally moved and seconded its adoption, which was endorsed by acclamation.
Declaring the communiqué officially adopted, Dr. Pelpuo described it as a forthright representation of the collective aspirations of the three social partners. He emphasized that consensus among government, employers, and labour would guide future engagement and strengthen cooperation to create conditions necessary for national development without industrial conflict.
“The hope is that these three partners — government, employers and labour — will continue to agree on key national issues to guide us into the future so that we can attain the unity required to move the nation forward,” Dr. Pelpuo said.
Conference Chairman Togbe Afede XIV officially closed the event, expressing satisfaction with the quality of discussions and outcomes. He noted that the theme, “Strengthening Industrial Harmony as a Catalyst for Accelerated Economic Growth and National Development”, had been fulfilled through practical proposals to consolidate industrial peace and address labour challenges.
Togbe Afede stressed that improving labour productivity must remain a national priority, explaining that higher productivity benefits workers through better incomes, employers through improved returns, and the nation through stronger performance. He also warned against corruption, describing it as one of Ghana’s greatest threats to development, and urged all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding public resources.
The conference ended with delegates reaffirming their commitment to implementing the resolutions contained in the Ho Declaration, strengthening collaboration among social partners, and advancing decent work, productivity, and inclusive economic growth.
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