First Annual Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Conference of GEA Launched
The Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) held its first-ever Annual Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Conference on October 9-10, 2024, at the Employers’ House in North Ridge, Accra. The event brought together about 200 participants, including business leaders, government officials, trade union leaders and safety experts to focus on making workplaces safer and healthier across the country.
The conference opened with remarks from the Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Mr. Alex Frimpong, who emphasized the critical role of safety in business success. The Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, Mr. Joshua Ansah also gave a solidarity message on behalf of Organized Labour and underscored TUC’s commitment to promoting and complying with all forms of OSH regulations at the enterprise, sector and national levels.
The two-day event featured practical sessions and real-world examples. The first day began with a presentation by Mr. George Gershon, Chief Inspector of Factories at the Department of Factories Inspectorate, who discussed Ghana’s regulatory framework for workplace safety. Dr. Samuel Agyekum, Occupational Health Manager at Rabito Clinic, focused on how companies can create a culture of safety that benefits both employees and productivity.
Day two shifted focus to the future, with a compelling session on technological advancements in OSH. Mr. Kwasi Adade Frempong, HSEQ Manager at Yinson Production West Africa Ltd, presented on the use of wearable safety devices and artificial intelligence to detect hazards, showcasing how technology is transforming workplace safety in real-time.
The highlight of the conference was a series of case studies from Ghanaian companies like Puma Energy, presented by Fredrick Asante Antwi, HSSEQ Manager, who shared lessons learned from successfully implementing OSH strategies. These examples resonated with attendees, sparking lively discussions on how to apply similar approaches in their own organizations.
In closing, the GEA reaffirmed its commitment to improving workplace safety in Ghana, recognizing that a healthy workforce is key to business growth. The conference ended with a call for continued collaboration between businesses, government, and labor unions to ensure safer workplaces for all.
This inaugural Annual OSH conference marks a significant step in the GEA’s efforts to make workplace safety a priority in Ghanaian industries. The participants left with practical insights and renewed determination to drive safety standards forward in their respective fields.