President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana has commended trade unions in Ghana for the prevailing industrial harmony in the country.
Speaking at the 12th quadrennial delegates congress of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo, praised the unions for their preference for social dialogue over strike actions.
This, according to President Akufo-Addo, promoted peace, social cohesion, mutual respect and trust.
He therefore, stressed the need for stronger partnerships that enabled trade unions to exercise their power for the benefit of all. President Akufo-Addo stated that trade unions had always played a central role in the socio-economic development of the nation by advocating the rights of workers, ensuring fair wages and helping to develop an environment where every Ghanaian could aspire to achieve their fullest potential.
President Akufo-Addo also said that the TUC had since its inception in 1945, been instrumental in advocating decent work practices, equitable wages and safe working conditions for all workers.
The report by Daily Graphic quoted the President as saying that the congress had consistently influenced labour and national policies while facilitating dialogue among tripartite constituents on critical socio-economic issues.
He said that over the decades, the TUC had served as a voice for workers across various sectors of the economy, pointing out that “the role of organised labour, especially during our struggle for freedom and independence from the British colonial power, is written in letters of gold.”
Without question, he said, government would continue to rely on the rich history, experience and expertise of the TUC in the years to come.
It added that the conference, which will also witness the election of new union leaders for the next four years, has the theme: “Sustaining and leveraging the power of trade unions in a challenging economic environment.”
GIK/APA