By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, March 10, GNA – The Trades Union Congress (TUC, Ghana) has renewed its call on the Government to urgently ratify the ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
The TUC said such a move would strengthen protection for workers, especially women, against violence and harassment at the workplace and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to protecting workers.
This was contained in a statement delivered by Madam Harriet Botchway, the Head of Department, in charge of Gender and Child Protection, on behalf of Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, to mark the International Women’s Day 2026 at Bolgatanga.
The commemoration was held on the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls: The Role of Trade Unions.”
The ILO Convention No. 190 (C190), adopted in June 2019 and being in force since June 25, 2021, is the first international treaty recognising the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
It applies to all sectors, covering employees, trainees and job seekers in both the formal and informal economies.
The Secretary-General said ratifying the convention would demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to ensuring safe, equitable and respectful workplaces for all workers, particularly women who are the most vulnerable.
He noted that violence and harassment at the workplace remained serious challenges that undermined workers’ rights, productivity and dignity, stressing that urgent action was needed to address the situation.
“The Government should urgently accelerate efforts towards ratifying Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work,” the statement emphasised.
He explained that while women continue to make significant contributions to national development across sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, many still face discrimination, unsafe working conditions and harassment at work.
Mr Ansah commended women for the achievements chalked over the years and stressed that the year’s theme highlighted the urgent need for concrete measures to address gender inequalities and protect women at workplaces across the country.
He reaffirmed the commitment of trade unions to strengthening women’s leadership within the labour movement, advancing gender-responsive collective bargaining and ensuring that workplaces were free from discrimination and violence.
While commending the Government for passing the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, Mr Ansah said sustained political will and effective implementation were necessary, to translate policy commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of women.
The Secretary-General also urged the Government to fast-track the ratification of ILO Convention 183 on Maternity Protection, to guarantee at least 14 weeks of maternity leave in line with international labour standards.
He further called on employers to adopt gender-responsive and family-friendly workplace policies and encouraged trade unions to increase women’s representation in leadership, as well as support young women trade unionists through mentorship and capacity building.
“When women thrive, Ghana thrives,” he added.
Madam Scholastica Dery, the Upper East Regional Secretary of the TUC, called for collective action to support women to achieve their dreams and contribute significantly to national development.
Madam Doris Asoala, the Upper East Regional Women’s Chairperson of the TUC, urged women to join the advocacy to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls and to promote justice at all levels.
Mrs Georgina Aberese-Ako, the Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Children and guest speaker at the event, acknowledged that women could not achieve their full potential when they were left behind and called on men to walk alongside women in promoting equality.
She also called for the inclusion of boys in the gender equality movement to ensure they grow up with a positive mindset that supports women.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo