Freedom to join unions backed by constitution – ICU tells employers
The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana), Mr Morgan Ayawine, has expressed concern over the continuous practice by some employers of preventing their staff, particularly management-level employees, from joining labour unions.
The practice, he described as contrary to the 1992 Constitution and the Labour Law of Ghana.
Speaking at the Professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU) Coordinating Council Conference held in Accra yesterday, Mr Ayawine emphasised that workers, including senior staff and management, had the constitutional right to freedom of association and must be allowed to exercise that right without interference.
“Employers that allow their staff to join unions find it cost-effective and easier to communicate and collaborate with their workers and trade unions in particular, to bring about increased productivity, profitability and industrial harmony at the workplace, as workers are the pillars that help in driving the strategic objectives of the organisation,” Mr Ayawine noted.
He explained that the organisations that encouraged unionisation were more likely to build cohesive and efficient teams, and urged Senior Staff Associations yet to affiliate with recognised unions to take steps to join, adding that their continued isolation only deprived them of collective bargaining power and other protections.
The PMSU Coordinating Council Conference formed part of a series of events in preparation for the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of ICU-Ghana scheduled for August 20–22, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The conference, held at the ICU House in Kokomlemle, also saw the inauguration of a new nine-member Executive Committee of the PMSU Coordinating Council.
The new committee, chaired by Mr Isaiah North of Dangme Rural Bank PLC, is expected to lead efforts toward consolidating union membership among managerial staff and deepening engagement with employers.
According to Mr Ayawine, significant progress had been made over the years to expand union participation.
He explained that prior to 1994, only junior staff typically joined unions, but sustained education and advocacy by the ICU had led to an increased awareness and inclusion of senior and managerial staff.
The ICU General Secretary on the touching on the 12 Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference, urged the delegates who would attend the conference to conduct themselves in a manner that would promote unity and enhance the corporate image of the union.
Mr Ayawine also advised managers to see union membership not as a threat but a safeguard, saying since managers were also employed and could be dismissed, they too need the union to bargain for better conditions of service.
In his remarks, the Acting Director of the PMSU depart of ICU, Mr Thomas Atiah, welcomed participants and urged them to engage fully in the discussions, which centred on identifying workplace challenges, sharing ideas for growth, and fostering solidarity.
“As we gather here today, let us remember that our unity is our strength. The input you provide will help shape decisions that benefit our members, our organisations, and the broader labour
By KINGSLEY ASARE
