By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA 

Accra, May 25, GNA – Officials from the Department of Co-operatives have highlighted the potential of cooperatives in driving job growth, agricultural development, and addressing issues like illegal mining. 

“Co-operatives can drive job growth and youth engagement,” said Mr. Abubakar Abdul-Malik, Assistant Registrar, the Department of Co-operative.  

“We aim to strengthen the co-operative sector through engagement with parliamentarians and stakeholders,” Mr. Abdul-Malik said this to highlight the institution’s potential to Parliament’s Select Committee of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions during a familiarization visit by some of the Committee members in Accra. 

The visit aimed to understand the Department’s mandates and functions, identify challenges and areas for improvement, and explore opportunities for collaboration and support between Parliament and the Department of Co-operatives.  

Officials of the Department expressed interest in specific areas, including labour relations and workforce development. 

“We look forward to a productive and informative discussion…Let’s work together to promote cooperative development and foster collaboration,” Mr. Abdul-Malik said. 

The discussion highlighted the potential of cooperatives in driving economic growth and job creation. 

While a number of challenges were cited by the officials, Mr. Apraku Yeboah, the Acting Registrar, Department of Co-operatives, said, “Co-operatives can leverage technology to reach customers and improve services.” 

Among the challenges mentioned were inadequate staff, dilapidated offices at the head, regional and district levels, inadequate capacities for work-related, lack of funds, and logistics. 

Mr. Joseph Appiah Boateng, Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, called for collaboration to enhance a common goal in the sector. 

GNA 

Edited by Christian Akorlie