The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has issued a stark demand for a fundamental overhaul of Ghana’s labour laws, demanding immediate action to address critical challenges impacting workers’ well-being. The TUC Secretary-General, Joshua Ansah, made the call on Thursday, September 10th, during a press address, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard workers and mitigate escalating risks.
The TUC’s primary focus centers on several key areas, including significantly bolstering wages, strengthening pension provisions, and tackling rising living costs. Mr. Ansah stated that low wages remain a paramount concern, with many households struggling to cope with escalating food prices, rent, transportation costs, utility bills, and essential healthcare expenses – a situation directly impacting vulnerable populations.
“Low pay is one of the most pressing concerns confronting workers,” Mr. Ansah asserted, highlighting the struggle faced by a significant portion of the workforce. He further raised serious concerns about the adequacy of Ghana’s pension system, noting that many retirees are receiving benefits that are demonstrably insufficient to meet their basic needs, particularly in the context of escalating medical costs.
“A pension should safeguard dignity in old age,” he emphasized, “yet a disconcerting number of retirees are receiving benefits that are too low to adequately cover their essential needs, particularly medical care.”
The TUC is advocating for a comprehensive review of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), arguing it must be updated to reflect contemporary employment patterns and bolster labour institutions. The TUC proposes a limitation on presidential appointments to the Council of State, and expresses deep concern regarding the government’s rejection of 54% of constitutional review proposals.
The TUC stresses that a modern labour law must prioritize stronger worker protection, improve social security, address emerging employment models, and promote genuinely decent work – ensuring that workers are treated with respect and dignity.
This review will undoubtedly impact Ghana’s workforce, and the TUC is urging government and other stakeholders to initiate a thorough examination of the country’s labour laws to ensure they remain responsive to the evolving realities of Ghana’s workforce, safeguarding the rights and interests of all workers.
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Source: Adom Online
