The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for an urgent and comprehensive review of the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651) to strengthen workers’ rights. According to MyJoyOnline, the trade union federation believes that the legislation must respond to new forms of employment, strengthen labour institutions and social protection, and promote decent work.
Wages and pensions
TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah told journalists on September 10 that low pay remains one of the most pressing problems for workers. According to him, the incomes of many households are not keeping pace with spending on food, housing rent, transport, utilities, education and healthcare.
Ansah also drew attention to insufficient pension payments. He noted that many pensioners receive amounts that do not cover basic needs, including healthcare. The high and rising cost of living, he said, further erodes pensions, while the effective rate of pension growth for workers in the informal sector remains too low.
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Short-term contracts
Separately, the TUC secretary general voiced concern about the situation of workers who continuously perform core job duties under so-called short-term contracts. According to him, some people are hired through labour intermediaries or under other arrangements that deny them equal treatment, job security, social security and access to a trade union.
Ansah stated that the law must take into account actual employment relationships, rather than only the wording stated in a contract. The TUC called for a review of Ghana’s labour legislation so that it properly protects workers and takes account of new forms of employment.
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