The Ghana Employers Association (GEA) has launched a landmark *Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Guide* for employers in Ghana’s horticulture sector, aimed at safeguarding workers, improving productivity, and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
The launch, held at the GEA headquarters in Accra, brought together key stakeholders including government representatives, employers, unions, and international partners.
In his opening remarks, *Mr. Alex Frimpong, CEO of GEA*, stressed the importance of developing structured policies to ensure worker welfare and sustainable growth in horticulture. He lamented that despite the sector’s vast potential, inadequate safety measures and policy gaps had limited its impact on national development.
“The people who make the horticulture industry tick must be protected. We need a policy guide that ensures their safety, health, and welfare at all times. This document, born out of extensive consultations with practitioners, is a bottom-up approach that will make the sector more resilient and competitive,” Mr. Frimpong stated.
Delivering a solidarity message on behalf of the *Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA)*, *Mr. James Ayittey*, Ag. Director, commended the initiative, noting that the OSH Guide would enhance compliance with international standards and secure Ghana’s place in the global horticultural value chain.
“Occupational Safety and Health is critical to agricultural productivity. This guide will serve as an invaluable resource, ensuring safer workplaces, healthier workers, and a more prosperous horticulture sector,” he said.
Representing the *Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands*, *Dr. Rens Twijnstra* highlighted the Dutch experience in building strong farmer-employer partnerships through centuries-old cooperatives and modern fair-trade practices. He said the collaboration between Ghana and the Netherlands in this initiative underscored the shared commitment to making horticulture both safe and sustainable.
“OSH is not just a technical issue; it’s about protecting lives and building trust. This guide is a major step towards creating a safer, more attractive, and competitive horticulture sector in Ghana,” Dr. Twijnstra noted.
In his keynote address, *Mr. George Gashon, Chief Inspector of Factories*, emphasized the urgent need for a national safety policy to provide clear direction for workplace health and safety across all sectors, including agriculture. He cautioned that unsafe chemical use in farming could undermine Ghana’s export prospects.
“Occupational safety is not a luxury but a major investment. If unsafe practices continue, Ghana risks rejection of its agricultural exports in international markets. This guide must therefore be replicated across organizations to protect both workers and consumers,” he advised.
The OSH Guide was developed through extensive consultations with horticultural stakeholders and funded by *Mondiaal FNV* with support from the *Dutch Embassy in Ghana*. It is expected to become a reference point for promoting safer work practices and boosting income opportunities within horticultural communities.
Story by Eugene Kwasi Nyarko
