There is something deeply troubling about Ghana spending years discussing the ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) while workers continue to face violence, harassment and exploitation.
The latest call by the Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU) for the convention to be ratified should therefore not be treated as another routine appeal from organised labour. It should be a wake-up call.
C190 is designed to protect workers against violence and harassment in the world of work. Its importance goes beyond the traditional workplace, recognising that domestic violence and other family-related circumstances can also affect workers and their productivity.
For Ghana, this is particularly important in sectors such as fisheries, where workers often operate in difficult environments and women and children can be especially vulnerable.
The revelations from a workshop held last week for fisheries unions in Tema are disturbing. Sheiryl Braimah, First Vice Chairperson of the MDU and Women’s Organiser for the Western Region, said some women in fishing communities were subjected to demands for sexual favours before they were allowed to purchase fish.
That is not a minor workplace disagreement. It is exploitation.
Even more worrying is the fact that some victims reportedly endure such abuse because they do not know their rights or have come to regard unacceptable behaviour as normal.
This is why education, enforcement and strong legal protection must go together.
The MDU Deputy General Secretary, Marian Atuguba, is right to point out that workers who enjoy peace of mind are more productive. No worker should have to endure intimidation, sexual harassment, violence or humiliation simply to earn a living.
Ghana’s failure to complete the ratification process is particularly disappointing because progress had reportedly already been made before the change in government. Ms Atuguba said the process stalled following the change in government, forcing organised labour to renew its advocacy.
“We have been pushing for the ratification of this convention for some time now. It is unfortunate that after the change in government, we have gone back to ground zero. We are hopeful that the bill will be reintroduced and passed so that the convention can be realised in Ghana,” she said.
This cycle must end. A change of government should not mean that important measures designed to protect workers are abandoned or returned to the beginning. Issues affecting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of workers require institutional continuity.
Government must therefore urgently revive the ratification process and work with organised labour, employers and other stakeholders to resolve any outstanding issues.
Parliament, too, must be prepared to act when the bill is reintroduced. It must not become another important piece of legislation trapped in political or bureaucratic delays.
Employers have a responsibility as well. Ratification should not be viewed merely as a government obligation. Businesses and institutions must create workplaces where complaints of violence and harassment are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
The fisheries sector deserves particular attention.
Women participating in the fisheries value chain must be able to work without being forced to exchange sexual favours for economic opportunities.
Workers must also have safe channels for reporting abuse without fear of retaliation.
Government must revive the process, Parliament must act, organised labour must continue its advocacy, and employers must strengthen workplace protection mechanisms.
Ratifying C190 will not, by itself, eliminate workplace violence and harassment. But it will send a clear national signal that Ghana will no longer accept abuse and exploitation as normal features of working life.
We must ratify ILO Convention 190 without further delay and ensure that its protections are felt where they matter most: in the lives of ordinary workers.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
