The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), an affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), has called on the government to ensure that the newly announced National Integrated Oil Palm Development Policy (2026–2032) prioritises job creation, fair wages, and improved working conditions.
The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, introduced the policy in the 2026 budget statement on Thursday, November 13, 2025, highlighting plans to scale plantation development, deepen out-grower inclusion, and expand downstream processing and value addition.
“This is a bold and strategic initiative to transform Ghana’s ‘Red Gold’ into a key driver of industrialisation, rural prosperity, and foreign exchange earnings. The policy represents a new dawn for Ghana’s agro-industrial future, drawing lessons from global leaders such as Malaysia and Indonesia while adapting them to our local context,” the finance minister said.
While welcoming the government’s renewed commitment to the oil palm sector, the GFL urged authorities to integrate smallholder farmers meaningfully, uphold labour standards, and ensure financing reaches genuine producers.
GFL also highlighted longstanding land tenure issues, particularly disputes over stool and family lands, as a key obstacle discouraging investors and delaying large-scale agro-industrial projects.
“We are of the firm view that oil palm remains a high-potential sector with the capacity to generate large numbers of jobs across farming, milling, refining, packaging, and logistics,” the federation said in a statement.
The workers’ organisation emphasised that industrial incentives must translate into tangible employment opportunities, strengthened occupational safety, and meaningful social protection.
It further called on employers and the government to commit to expanding local recruitment, investing in skills development, adopting modern and safer workplace practices, and ensuring transparent reporting on job creation linked to policy incentives.
The GFL stressed that strong implementation, institutional coordination, and regular stakeholder dialogue are essential to turning policy intentions into economic results and ensuring the oil palm sector benefits both workers and the broader economy.
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