The leadership of the Ghana Industrial and Commercial Workers‘ Union-Ghana (ICU) has called on the government to resuscitate distressed State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to reduce youth unemployment in the country.
The enterprises are Neoplan Ghana Limited, PBC PLC, Cocoa Processing Company, ALUWORKS, Volta Star Textiles Ltd, Akosombo Industrial Company Limited, New Times Corporation, Graphic Communications Group Limited and Pwalugu Tomato Factory.
Mr Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary, ICU-Ghana, made the call on Thursday at its 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference in Accra.
The conference is on the theme: “Enhancing Productivity at the Workplace: The Role of Social Partners”.
He said the Union had deepened cooperation with international partners, enabling staff and members to participate in global conferences, workshops, and training programmes.
The Union had expanded its outreach and increased membership, notably onboarding the senior staff of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, Cocoa Marketing Company Limited, and Quality Control Company of COCOBOD.
Mr Ayawine said the Union’s guiding principle, “The Employer’s Vision, The Union’s Concern”, had enabled them to work with employers to ensure industrial peace and to drive productivity and organisational success.
“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 the government’s reset agenda,” he said.
He said the Union had recorded significant legal victories, including the unionisation rights at Akosombo Industrial Company Limited, and won a court case against TEGLEU and was empowered with the issuance of the Collective Bargaining Certificate as the Union with the majority in the company.
The Union had intervened in the wrongful termination cases at SONO Ghana Limited, where ICU members were fully compensated with accrued interest.
He commended social partners and all stakeholders for their collaboration, criticism, and support that had helped shape ICU-Ghana into the most preferred trade union organisation in the country.
“We are confident that the conference will unveil a forward-looking ‘master plan’ that will be a true game-changer for ICU-Ghana,” he said.
Mr Keith Jacobs, UNI Africa Regional Secretary, urged the Union to remain vigilant and resist any attempt by employers to disrespect their fundamental human rights.
He urged the Union to consolidate its power by being united and fighting for the cause and progress of its members.
Madam Adwoa Sakyi, Regional Women’s Project Co-ordinator, International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Association, underscored the importance of productivity as an engine of growth and sustainable development.
She expressed optimism that the conference would come out with resolutions that would help the workers to develop in their fields.
