The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) has called on Ghana’s government to adopt stronger, consistent and sustainable policies to reduce youth unemployment and drive industrial growth.
The union says effective government action is needed to create lasting jobs, attract investment, strengthen the economy and improve Ghana’s position in the global labour market.
ICU General Secretary Morgan Ayawine made the appeal at an event where he was recognised by Business Executive, a civil society organisation, as one of Africa’s 100 most influential personalities and trade unionists. The award acknowledged his contribution to labour relations and industrial development.
Mr Ayawine said organised labour had a significant role in national governance, particularly by helping shape policies that support businesses, attract investors and expand employment opportunities.
“When we talk about our governance system, people perceive politicians and those who work within government as the people who have the preserve to govern. But we constitute part of the governance system in this country, and that is why, over the years, we have been advocates seeking to influence the direction of policies,” he said.
He argued that reliable policies were necessary to protect jobs and provide businesses with the conditions required to grow.
“When we have the right policies in the country, we can be sure of job sustainability because these policies are supposed to drive businesses and open up the landscape for more investors to come into our country,” Mr Ayawine stated.
Union sets out industrial priorities
The ICU has been pressing for measures to rebuild Ghana’s industrial sector, safeguard workers’ interests and improve cooperation between government, employers and organised labour.
Its priorities include reviving the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), recapitalising financial institutions and restoring Ghana’s textile industry.
The union believes fresh investment in those areas would boost domestic production, increase industrial capacity and provide more employment for the country’s growing youth population.
It says, however, that changes in government policy have continued to hinder progress. The ICU is calling for a more predictable and durable policy framework to support industrial development over the long term.
The union wants the government to maintain its commitment to policies that encourage investment, strengthen local industries and ensure economic growth creates meaningful work.
Ayawine promises wider transformation
Mr Ayawine thanked stakeholders for the support and cooperation he said had helped him receive the recognition.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support, loyalty and cooperation of all stakeholders. Going forward, my role is to move this Union forward,” he said.
He said he intended to transform the ICU and extend its influence beyond Ghana, describing the award as another landmark in his trade union leadership.
“Going forward, this Union will be transformed. We are talking about national recognition, and today I am receiving my second African award. The next time, I will make sure that we go beyond Africa,” he said.
Mr Ayawine added that the ICU had commissioned a transformation agenda to reposition the organisation and strengthen its presence across the continent.
“That is why we have commissioned a transformation agenda, and that is going to transform the Union along the corridors of Africa,” he added.
The ICU says reducing youth unemployment and achieving sustainable industrial growth will depend on closer cooperation between government, employers and organised labour.
