ICU-Ghana commits to fair recruitment for women

Accra, July 24, GNA – Mr Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU)-Ghana, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting laws and best practices that support the fair recruitment and retention of women in all sectors.
 
He called on all stakeholders across the country to join in the advocacy for the swift ratification of the Affirmative Action Bill, recently passed by Ghana’s Parliament.
 
Mr Ayawine said the legislation would help advance the cause of women, who constitute more than half of Ghana’s population.
 
The General Secretary said this at the 6th National Women’s quadrenial delegates’ conference in Tema in the Greater Accra region.
 
The conference is held in advance of the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the National Union.
 
It will serve as a vital forum for taking stock of the activities of the National Women’s Wing over the past four years and to reconstitute the National Women’s Leadership for the upcoming quadrennial term.
 
The conference signified the committed torchbearers of a transformative movement for justice, equity, and inclusive development.
 
“As a trade union organisation committed to gender equality, ICU-Ghana has, in recent times, expanded its structures to promote and deepen the participation of women in all aspects of the Union’s work,” he said.
 
He expressed concern about persistent discrimination against women in employment, calling for urgent action to address the situation.
 
“When we speak of gender equality, we speak of equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal treatment, regardless of gender,” he said.
 
The principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work has been championed by the International Labour Organisation and enshrined in Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), specifically under Section 68.
 
Mrs. Esinam Afua Poku, Head of Youth and Gender Desk of ICU, said the participants presence was a testament to their commitment, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of women within the union and beyond.
 
She said the comprehensive four-year activity report of the Women’s Desk, covering the period from 2022 to 2025, highlighted the significant strides made together in promoting gender equity, empowering women, and others.
 
Over the past four years, she said the Women’s Desk had remained focused on capacity-building, leadership development, policy advocacy, and collaboration with key stakeholders.
 
These efforts have contributed meaningfully to our shared goal of building a more inclusive and gender-responsive union.
 
Ms Adjoa Sakyi, Regional Women’s Co-ordinator, IUF Africa, encouraged women to be conversant with the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 1121, Act 2024.
 
This offers a roadmap for building workplaces where women are treated with dignity, equality and fairness.
 
The newly constituted national women’s leadership was sworn in by Mr Emmanuel Benimah, the Deputy General Secretary in charge of Operations, ICU-Ghana.
 
They are Ms Happy Aheto, Chairperson; Ms Mary Adjoa Appiah, Vice Chairperson; Ms Doreen Aryetey, as Secretary; Ms Brightener Boateng as Assistant Secretary; and Ms Emelia Etroo as an executive member.
 
GNA
 
Edited by Christian Akorlie