By Bright Kofi Agamah
The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, ICU-Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, has entreated the government to be committed to the Women’s Bank project to make it sustainable to bring economic relief to Ghanaian women and their families. He said the project must not be abandoned over unavailability of funds as such does not inure to the benefit of citizens.
“We would, however, like to advise that the establishment of a Women’s Bank, this time around, should not be abandoned mid-way for lack of funds as was the case in the past with the Women’s World Bank”
Mr. Ayawine, said this when he addressed the Upper West Regional Conference of the ICU-Ghana, which was held in Wa, on 7th April 2025.
Governance System in Rural and Community Banks
Mr. Ayawine, expressed concern over system of governance practiced in Rural and Community Banks, which he said is a stark contrast to the generally accepted corporate governance system in Ghana.
He cited instances where Board Chairmen of Rural and Community Banks wade into the managerial/administrative functions of Chief Executive Officers or General Managers, maintaining that Board of Directors have an entirely distinct role from Management.
“As we know, the role of Board of Directors is entirely distinct from the role of Management. To wit, the Board of Directors formulate major policies to guide the operations of the organisation, whereas Management is entrusted with the day-to-day administration of the organisation in terms of employment, non-employment, staff training, discipline, Collective Bargaining etc. to ensure an orderly and systematic operations at the workplace”
He added, “interference of Board Chairmen in the routine managerial/ administrative work of the Rural and Community Banks, which is the preserve of the Management of the Banks, palpably disorganizes Worker-Management relationship at the Banks which sometimes create industrial disharmony”
Mr. Ayawine, said ICU-Ghana views the development as problematic and unconventional in corporate governance, stating, as a trade union it believes in the balance of power at the workplace. He therefore called for an end to such interferences, to improve efficiency, effectiveness and the corporate image of Rural and Community Banks.
“We therefore urge such Board Chairmen who interfere in the day-to-day administration of the Rural and Community Banks and usurp the assigned technocratic roles of Chief Executive Officers or General Managers, to desist from such acts, as it negatively impacts the efficiency, effectiveness and, above all, the corporate image of the Rural and Community Banks”
Union-Management Relationship
He said it takes the efforts of Labour and Employer to make business operational and profitable. This he said requires the sacrifice, commitment and collaboration of the two in-built democratic elements of business, which are Union and Management or Workers and Employers. Hence the need for equal partnership which will engender the profitability of businesses.
“It must be emphasized here that, Capital standing on its own cannot produce and make profit, neither can Labour standing alone produce and earn income. It is therefore logical that these two indispensable components of business merge on equal footing to enable a successful business to be conducted”
Mr. Ayawine, advised all workers and employers to be guided always by the dictates of the Collective Agreement and the Labour Law in times of misunderstanding and unfair treatment.
“In some instances, Union-Management relationship is characterized by misunderstanding, and unfair treatment which impair the relationship leading to strikes and lockouts which affect productivity. These acts always have a backlash on Union-Management relationship, and they do not augur well for the sustainability of business.
I therefore advise all workers and employers to be guided always by the dictates of the Collective Agreement and the Labour Law which are our key tools and do the right thing at all times so that either party would be justified in the end”
Industrial Harmony
Mr. Ayawine, noted the challenging times Ghana faces and asked stakeholders on the labour front to swiftly address all labour unrest.
“it is important to note that, in these challenging times which we find ourselves, every effort must be made by Government, Employers and Labour to address labour related concerns with speed and alacrity in order to forestall unnecessary industrial actions at the workplace. Productivity suffers when there is no peace and harmony within the arena of labour relations”
Conclusion
The Upper West conference, which is one of the Regional conferences being organized by the ICU- Ghana, is a prelude to the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference, of the Union. It also served as a forum to take stock and plan the region’s activities, conduct elections for the Youth, Women and Regional Council as well as adopt resolutions for the upcoming 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference.
