By: Rachel Kakraba
General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union, ICU-Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, has reiterated calls for the government to revive distressed State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), to drastically reduce youth unemployment. This he said should include Neoplan Ghana Limited, PBC PLC, Cocoa Processing Company, ALUWORKS and Volta Star Textiles Ltd. The rest are Akosombo Industrial Company Ltd, New Times Corporation, Graphic Communications Group Ltd and Pwalugu Tomato Factory.
Such decisive action to resuscitate the enterprises he stated would create sustainable jobs, for the populace.
Mr. Ayawine, said this when he addressed the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the union in Accra.
He noted that proactive engagements of the union with employers have led to significant reforms and support in some key institutions.“Our proactive engagements contributed to key changes and support in institutions like; National Investment Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, The Trust Hospital, The Golden Beach Hotels and the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO).”
He said the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference offers a platform for the union to assess performance, map out strategic plans for the future, and reconstitute leadership structures for the next quadrennial term as well as a space to reflect, refocus, and renew.
Touching on the conference theme which focused on Enhancing Productivity at the Workplace; The Role of Social Partners, Mr. Ayawine, said “As Ghana and the world recalibrate the future of work, it is imperative that we recognize workers not just as participants in the economy, but as architects of national resilience.”
He said the union continues to work hand-in-hand with employers to ensure industrial peace, which in turn drives productivity and organizational success. He urged employers to invest in the general wellbeing of employees emphasizing that true productivity goes beyond capital injection and strict supervision.
“True productivity does not only come from capital injection or rigid oversight. It arises when workers are empowered, mentally, physically, and emotionally. We must invest in their growth, ensure fair and transparent promotion systems, and cultivate a sense of creating opportunities at all levels in fulfilment of Government’s reset agenda.”
Adding on, Mr. Ayawine, said “Going by the saying “Charity begins at home”, ICU has blazed the trail by motivating its own staff for increased productivity through massive promotions and restructuring of salaries among other incentives which are worthy of emulation”
Successes chalked-Up
Accounting for his stewardship over the past four years, the ICU Ghana General Secretary, said he took over at a time when the Union was reeling from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This he said had crippled businesses, reduced operations, triggered mass redundancies, and severely affected our membership base and revenue.
He noted under his leadership the union has expanded outreach and increased membership, especially bringing onboard Senior Staff of some institutions.
“With determination and teamwork, the current Leadership and staff rolled up our sleeves and took decisive steps to recover lost grounds. We expanded our outreach and increased our membership, notably onboarding the Senior Staff of: Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Cocoa Marketing Company Limited (CMC), Quality Control Company (QCC) of COCOBOD, The Bank Hospital among others into our Professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU). Efforts are ongoing to bring other Senior Staff Associations under our umbrella”
Mr. Ayawine, said the union has recorded significant legal victories, including: Unionization rights at Akosombo Industrial Company Ltd (AICL), where the union won a court case against TEGLEU and was empowered with the issuance of the Collective Bargaining Certificate as Union with the majority in the Company. Wrongful termination cases at SONO Ghana Ltd (PINORA), where ICU members were fully compensated with accrued interest.
He said the conference marks the end of his first term as General Secretary with renewed strength and progress.
“With the winds of positive economic change blowing across the country, we are poised for greater accomplishments. We are confident that the Conference would unveil a forward-looking “Master Plan” that will be a true game-changer for ICU-Ghana.
He expressed appreciation to social partners, government, employers and international partners, for the support which has helped shape ICU-Ghana into the most preferred trade union organisation in the country.
International Affiliation
Mr. Ayawine, said ICU Ghana is affiliated with three globally recognised trade union federations, all headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland: UNI Global Union, IndustriALL Global Union (IGU), International Union of Food, Agricultural, Tobacco, Restaurant, Hotel, Catering, Tourism and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF)
“These affiliations provide ICU-Ghana with platforms to engage internationally, share knowledge, and keep pace with global labour innovations and best practices.”
He said the union continues to deepen cooperation with international partners, which ensures staff and members participate in global conferences, workshops, and training programs.
“These relationships have enriched our strategies, broadened our vision, and brought concrete projects to fruition at home”
Mr. Ayawine, mentioned that through strategic media engagement, active participation in national discourse, and international exposure, ICU-Ghana has significantly enhanced its visibility both locally and globally.
Delivering the keynote address minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, called for active stakeholder engagement in social dialogue and collaboration by prioritizing open communication, mutual respect, and trust. This he said could unlock the full potential of the workforce and drive productivity, innovation, and growth.
“With continued social partnership, I believe that we can create a thriving work environment that is conducive to employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our organisations, and our communities”
He commended ICU-Ghana for the unwavering dedication to promoting the welfare of workers and contributing significantly to nation building.
“With rich legacy spanning decades, ICU has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing the interests of its members. Your range of services do not only underscore your strategic importance within Ghana’s economy but also highlight your pivotal role in fostering a more equitable and prosperous society”
Dr. Pelpuo, encouraged the union to work together with the government to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and efficiency.
He also pledged to promote policies and programmes that enhance productivity and support economic growth. This he said includes both labour productivity and multifactor productivity.
About ICU Ghana
The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, is the largest heterogeneous trade union organisation in the country.
It is active in over 800 organisations spanning virtually every key sector of Ghana’s economy—including Banking, Finance, Commerce, Industry, Hospitality, Agriculture, Health, Mining and Mining Services, Tourism, Insurance, Oil and Gas, Public Boards and Corporations, Metal and Automobile, and the Informal Sector. The union represents and negotiates on behalf of members on all matters relating to employment, conditions of service, and labour rights across Ghana.
Two distinguished former General Secretaries: Brother B.T. Bartimeus, and Brother Napoleon D.K. Kpoh, who passed away in March 2023 and June 2023, respectively were eulogized for their selflessness.
