On Thursday, September 10, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) called for an immediate overhaul of Ghana’s Labour Act to strengthen workers’ rights. Secretary‑General Joshua Ansah addressed the press, highlighting that wages for many households fail to keep pace with rising food, rent, transport, utilities, education and healthcare costs.
Ansah warned that low pay remains the most urgent concern for workers. He also criticised pension schemes, noting that many retirees receive benefits too low to cover basic needs, especially medical care. “A pension should protect dignity in old age. Yet, many retirees receive benefits that are too low to meet basic needs, particularly medical care,” he said.
The union also raised alarms over the prevalence of “so‑called short‑term contracts” and labour‑contractor arrangements that deny workers equal treatment, job security, social security and union access. “The law should look at the reality of their employment relationship, not merely the level placed on their contract,” Ansah added.
According to the TUC, Ghana needs a modern law that responds to changing forms of work, strengthens labour institutions and promotes decent work. The Congress therefore calls for a comprehensive review of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) to ensure it adequately protects workers, addresses emerging employment forms, strengthens social protection and fosters decent work.
Ghana’s labour sector will be watching closely as the TUC pushes for reforms that could reshape the country’s employment landscape.
