By Bright Ntramah
President Akufo-Addo has charged organised labour to advocate for policies that ensure that technological advancements such as Artificial intelligence (AI), do not lead to job losses.
He also urged labour unions to push for initiatives that promote upskilling and reskilling, ensuring the workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future.
Speaking at the 12th Quadrennial Delegates Congress of the TUC at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central region, President Akufo-Addo asked Ttradeunions to champion the cause of gender equality, pushing for equal pay for equal work, anti-discrimination ppolicies,and support for working mothers, including maternity leave and childcare facilities.
He lauded the TUC and its leadership for engendering industrial peace and harmony within our labour sector. The 3-day Congress is of significance as the leaders who will guide the TUC for the next four years will be elected. President Akufo-Addo paid tribute to the outgoing Secretary General, Dr Yaw Baah for being at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, and helping to develop an environment where every Ghanaian can aspire to achieve their fullest potential.
He tasked the Trade unions to continue to be the voice of reason, advocating for policies that promote economic stability, job security, and social justice. He said the complexities of the global economy, coupled with the evolving nature of work, demand that governments and trade unions work together in harmony to improve the welfare and well-being of citizens.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for trade unions to advocate for inclusive hiring practices, reasonable accommodations, and policies that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of employment. He noted that the rapid pace of technological advancements presents both opportunities and challenges for the labour market. While automation and artificial intelligence can lead to increased productivity and economic growth, they also have the potential to disrupt jobs and widen inequality. He tasked trade unions to engage proactively with these technological changes.
“Additionally, trade unions should play a proactive role in shaping the future of work. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence and the gig economy represents both opportunities and challenges. Unions should advocate for policies that ensure these technological advancements do not lead to job losses or increased inequality,” President Akufo-Addo added.
“Instead, they should push for initiatives that promote upskilling and reskilling, ensuring the workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future. Another critical area where trade unions can make a significant impact is in promoting gender equality and inclusion. Women constitute a substantial portion of the workforce, yet they often face discrimination, lower wages and limited opportunities for advancement.”
SSNIT
President Akufo-Addo lauded SSNIT financial turnaround, which has led to GHc230m. He underscored the improved performance and strategic decisions that have bolstered SSNIT’s financial health and reassured workers of a secure pension future. President Akufo-Addo expressed his satisfaction with SSNIT’s recent operational surplus of GH¢230 million, marking a significant milestone in the Trust’s efforts to enhance its financial standing. He pointed out that this surplus is a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring that SSNIT remains a robust and reliable institution capable of meeting the pension needs of Ghanaian workers.
The President also took the opportunity to address a recent controversy surrounding SSNIT’s efforts to offload non-performing assets in its hotel portfolio. He clarified that the transaction, which was eventually aborted, had been the only instance in recent history where external investors expressed interest in SSNIT’s holdings. He urged all stakeholders to approach such matters with caution, emphasising the importance of making decisions that protect the long-term interests of pensioners.
The outgoing Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, thanked the labour unions for entrusting him with the leadership of the organisation for the past seven years.
