The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, acting on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, received a communique presented by the Trade Union Congress (TUC)-Ghana on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
The presentation of the communique was part of a campaign advocating for the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention no. 190 in Ghana, focused on addressing violence and harassment in the workplace.
Madam Felicia Kraja, the Northern Regional Secretary of TUC, presented the communique, emphasizing the prevalence of workplace violence and harassment across all sectors in Ghana, particularly affecting women and vulnerable groups.
Citing survey data, she highlighted that 71.7% of respondents reported experiencing violence or harassment at work, with women constituting 53% of the affected individuals.
Kraja acknowledged government efforts, including research surveys, sensitization campaigns, and legal statutes aimed at addressing workplace violence and harassment.
She further indicated hat, various legal statutes such as the 1992 Constitution of Ghana; Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651); Childrenβs Act, 1998 (Act 560); Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29); Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30); Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732); Labour Regulations, 2007 (LI 1833); Youth Employment Agency Regulations, 2016 (LI 223), and the Labour (Domes?c Workers) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2408), were promulgated to address issues of violence and harassment in the country.
However, she urged the government to prioritize the ratification of ILO Convention 190 to further safeguard the dignity and well-being of workers in Ghana.
In response, the Northern Regional Minister commended the TUC for its dedication to protecting workers and ensuring conducive working environments.
He assured that the government is diligently working towards ratifying ILO Convention 190 and expressed optimism about advancing the communique to the appropriate authorities for further action.