ICU demands greater govt action to meet workers’ expectations

The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union of Ghana (ICU-Ghana) has urged the government to do more to ensure that the gains of the economy benefit the ordinary worker. 

It said while there had been some positive economic indicators during the year — such as a relatively stable exchange rate, single-digit inflation, and reduced interest rates — those gains were yet to translate meaningfully into improved living conditions for the ordinary worker and the generality of Ghanaians.

The ICU-Ghana said prices of essentials, including food, rent and utilities, remained largely beyond the reach of the average worker.

“Government is doing its bit, but it must do more to meet the expectations of ordinary workers and the populace, who have had to endure economic hardships for far too long,” the ICU said in a Christmas message signed by the General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine.

ICU-Ghana, it said, would fight in the best interest of workers of Ghana until workers’ rightful place in the capital-labour equilibrium — particularly in terms of fair and optimum remuneration — was irreversibly attained.

“You began the year with great expectations. Although not all of these expectations may have been fully realised, the modest gains made so far should serve as a springboard and catalyst to propel you into 2026 for greater achievements in productivity and improved remuneration.

“Do not despair; rather, give hope a chance and continue to work harder in the ensuing year (2026) to consolidate the modest economic achievements by government and ensure their sustainability for the good of all,” the statement said.

The ICU-Ghana commended the government for fully recapitalising the National Investment Bank Limited during the year under review, saying the exercise would empower the bank to deliver effectively on its mandate towards national economic growth.

Opportunity

“Similarly, we take this opportunity to urge government to address the financial challenges confronting COCOBOD (Ghana Cocoa Board), which remain a major concern to Ghanaians.

Equally important is the need for government to bail out selected state-owned enterprises, including PBC Limited, Volta Star Textile Limited, Graphic Communications Group Ltd, New Times Corporation, New Neoplan Ghana Limited, and the Pwalugu Tomatoes Factory, as well as to finalise the processes required for ALUWORKS to bounce back.

“These measures will help (to) create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth and enable these entities to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country,” it emphasised.

With respect to employers, the union acknowledged the value of collaboration with ICU-Ghana’s social partners in enhancing productivity for sustainable economic growth.

At the same time, the union stressed the need for strict adherence to the Collective Agreements and the Labour Laws of Ghana, which regulate the relationship between employers and employees and ensure industrial harmony, described as an essential driver of productivity and economic growth.

“Unfortunately, some employers continue to infringe upon these instruments,” the message said.

Anti-union

“We further admonish anti-union employers who trample on the labour rights of workers by preventing unionisation, casualising jobs, and denying workers their rightful wages, salaries and benefits, thereby jeopardising their future social and financial security, to desist from such practices, as they carry serious consequences.

“We encourage you, the gallant and resilient workers of Ghana, to continue making sacrifices through hard work to help Mother Ghana (to) achieve sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity,” it said.