Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region — August 22, 2024
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has successfully concluded its 12th Quadrennial Delegate Congress, held from August 18 to 22, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Center in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region. The congress, a key event in Ghana’s labor movement, was marked by the election of new executive members who will steer the affairs of TUC-Ghana for the next four years.
The congress, which drew delegates from across the country, provided a platform for the union to assess its achievements, deliberate on critical labor issues, and chart a path forward for the organization. The delegates, representing various affiliate unions under the TUC umbrella, engaged in robust discussions on how to tackle the challenges facing Ghanaian workers in an increasingly globalized economy.
At the heart of the congress was the election of new leaders, a process that saw Bro Joshua Ansah emerge as the new Secretary-General of TUC-Ghana. Ansah, who has a long history of service within the union, takes over the reins at a time when the labor movement in Ghana faces numerous challenges, including job security, fair wages, and workers’ rights.
Joining Ansah on the leadership team is Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, who was elected as the Deputy Secretary-General. Dr. Otoo, a respected economist and labor expert, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served in various capacities within the union and other labor-related institutions.
The congress also saw the election of Bernard Owusu as the Chairman of TUC-Ghana. Owusu’s election is seen as a strong endorsement of his commitment to the cause of Ghanaian workers. He is joined by Ken Koduah, who was elected as Vice Chairman, and Salamatu Mahama Braimah, who takes on the role of Vice Chairperson. Their election is expected to bolster the leadership team, providing a balanced mix of experience, strategic insight, and gender representation.
In his acceptance speech, newly elected Secretary-General Bro Joshua Ansah expressed gratitude to the delegates for their confidence in his leadership. He emphasized the need for unity within the labor movement and reiterated his commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of all Ghanaian workers. “We are at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, and it is imperative that we stand together to face the challenges ahead. Our collective strength is our greatest asset,” Ansah remarked.
Outgoing executives were also commended for their service, with special acknowledgment given to the former Secretary-General, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the union over the past years.
The 12th Quadrennial Delegate Congress has set a new course for TUC-Ghana, with the newly elected leaders pledging to continue the fight for better working conditions, fair remuneration, and the protection of workers’ rights in Ghana. As the congress concluded, delegates expressed optimism about the future, confident that the new leadership team has the vision and capability to lead TUC-Ghana into a new era of growth and influence.
The Trades Union Congress of Ghana, established in 1945, remains the largest and most influential trade union organization in the country, representing the collective interests of over 500,000 workers across various sectors. The decisions taken at this congress will undoubtedly shape the labor landscape in Ghana for years to come.
