Morgan Ayawine (2nd right) with other union national officers receiving a plaque from a representative of The Business Executive
The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana), Brother Morgan Ayawine, has been honoured as “Africa’s Most Respected CEO in Labour and Union Leadership” at the 6th Africa’s Most Respected CEOs Conference and Awards in Lusaka, Zambia.
The continental award recognised his visionary leadership, commitment to ethical governance, innovation, and outstanding contribution to organisational success and sustainable economic development across Africa.
The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to celebrate excellence in corporate governance, innovation and economic transformation.
Award Presented in Accra
Due to urgent labour-management engagements, Brother Ayawine could not attend the ceremony in person. A delegation from The Business Executive, organisers of the awards, presented the honour to him at the ICU-Ghana National Secretariat, Hall of Trade Unions, in Accra on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The presentation, witnessed by ICU-Ghana’s leadership, management and staff, included a plaque, certificate, medal and other commemorative items.
The citation read: “In recognition of your visionary leadership, business excellence, innovation and outstanding contribution to economic growth and sustainable development. Your commitment to ethical leadership and organisational success has made a lasting impact on Africa’s business community.”
Dedicating the award, Brother Ayawine said the honour belongs to ICU-Ghana’s leadership, staff, rank and file, and all progressive partners working with the Union.
“Through proactive and constructive engagements, ICU-Ghana has ensured the sustained growth of enterprises in both public and private sectors,” he said.
“When unions, business leaders and management work with open doors toward shared goals of sustainability, the country wins through industrial peace and socio-economic progress.”
He called on African governments, and Ghana in particular, to create enabling conditions for businesses to thrive and to take bold steps to revive once-vibrant industries — which he described as key to tackling youth unemployment.
Brother Ayawine highlighted ICU-Ghana’s role in sustaining strategic institutions such as the National Investment Bank and Agricultural Development Bank.
“It is no secret that the turnaround stories of these institutions would be incomplete without acknowledging the pivotal role ICU-Ghana played with corporate leaders, staff and government over the years to keep them in operation,” he noted.
He stressed that the interests of employers and workers are inseparable.
“The employers’ vision is the Union’s concern, because the survival of businesses is key to sustained job creation and employment security for our youth,” he pointed out.
The General Secretary reaffirmed ICU-Ghana’s commitment to resisting unilateral decisions that undermine strategic national assets.
Citing the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), he said the Union will oppose any attempt to divest government interest, adding that VALCO has strong potential for exponential growth with the right capital and strategic support.
A Call for Collaboration
Brother Ayawine urged business leaders to view unions not as obstacles but as catalysts for productivity, quality service delivery and enterprise sustainability.
“We believe in collaboration to propel enterprises forward in both public and private sectors,” he said. “Workers’ unions are positive partners in achieving quality service delivery and enhanced productivity.”
The continental recognition cements Brother Morgan Ayawine’s standing in the African labour movement and underscores ICU-Ghana’s commitment to constructive labour-management relations, enterprise sustainability, job creation and social development across Ghana and Africa.
A Daily Guide Report
