The National Labour Commission (NLC) has lamented the inadequate financial allocation, which has hindered its ability to establish offices across all regions and districts, as stipulated in the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
The Act mandates the commission to ensure its services are accessible to every working citizen, regardless of their location.
However, due to financial constraints, the commission currently has offices in only Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Sunyani, achieving less than 50% coverage. This shortfall has resulted in a backlog of cases, leading to delays, as the commission can only sit twice a week.
According to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Honourable Ofosu Asamoah, financial clearance would enable the commission to sit daily, recruit more staff, and establish offices nationwide to serve all Ghanaians.
He emphasized, “With adequate financial support, we would establish more offices, eliminating the need for individuals to travel from distant locations like Bolgatanga, Tamale, or Wa to seek redress.”
Established on March 31, 2004, the commission has received 12,644 complaints over its 20-year existence. Notably, 9,454 (75%) of these complaints were successfully resolved, leaving 3,190 (25%) outstanding.
The Executive Secretary further revealed that, since January 2025, the seven-member commission has been unable to hold sittings due to the absence of two government-nominated representatives, following a change in government. He pointed out that separate letters have been sent to the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations and the Chief of Staff, requesting the new government to nominate its representatives, enabling the commission to fulfill its constitutional duties to the Ghanaian workforce.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FMCalvin Powell
