ILO predicts Ghana could lose 550,000 jobs to heat stress by 2040

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that Ghana could lose approximately 550,000 full-time jobs by 2040 due to rising temperatures and workplace heat stress. This projection is part of a broader study highlighting the severe economic and employment risks posed by climate change in Africa. According to the report, the impacts of extreme heat are already being felt across various industries, threatening both national productivity and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers over the next two decades.

The study, which focuses on Ghana, Ethiopia, and Senegal, projects a staggering combined annual GDP loss of US$67 billion for the three nations by 2040. In total, these countries are expected to see a reduction of around 2.46 million full-time jobs. While heat stress is a cross-cutting issue, the ILO identifies agriculture and construction as the sectors most vulnerable to rising temperatures. However, the report notes that the damage extends significantly into manufacturing, transport, trade, and the informal economy, where workers often lack the protections necessary to cope with extreme weather conditions.

These findings are part of a wider research initiative covering six countries, funded by various organizations to examine the intersection of climate change, job security, and economic stability. The ILO emphasizes that the current trend necessitates immediate intervention from both the government and private sector employers. The report calls for the implementation of urgent measures to mitigate these effects and protect vulnerable workers, particularly those in the informal sector who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.