The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, Mr. Morgan Ayawine, has called on government and employers to intensify efforts to improve the living and working conditions of Ghanaian workers, despite some positive economic indicators recorded in 2025.
In his 2025 Christmas message to ICU members and workers across the country, Mr. Ayawine commended workers for their resilience and sacrifices throughout the year, describing their contribution as critical to Ghana’s economic recovery.
“Throughout the year, you have laboured tirelessly to help lift our country from economic doldrums. Your sacrifices and contributions to the growth and development of the economy are deeply appreciated,” he said.
He assured workers that ICU–Ghana would continue to defend their interests, particularly in the area of fair remuneration. “As your mother Union, the great and redoubtable ICU–Ghana will never shirk its responsibility to fight in the best interest of workers of Ghana,” Mr. Ayawine stated, adding that the union would persist until “workers’ rightful place in the capital–labour equilibrium… is irreversibly attained.”
While acknowledging modest gains made during the year, the ICU General Secretary admitted that many workers’ expectations had not been fully met. However, he urged workers not to lose hope. “Do not despair; rather, give hope a chance and continue to work harder in the ensuing year (2026) to consolidate the modest economic achievements by Government,” he encouraged.
Mr. Ayawine noted that although Ghana recorded “a relatively stable exchange rate, single-digit inflation, and reduced interest rates,” these improvements had not yet translated into better living conditions for the average worker. “Prices of essential needs, including food, rent, and utilities, remain largely beyond the reach of the average worker,” he observed.
He praised government for fully recapitalising the National Investment Bank Limited, describing it as a step that would strengthen the bank’s role in national development. However, he also urged authorities to urgently address the financial challenges facing COCOBOD and to rescue struggling State-Owned Enterprises such as PBC Limited, Volta Star Textile Limited, Graphic Communications Group Limited, New Times Corporation, New Neoplan Ghana Limited, and the Pwalugu Tomatoes Factory. He further called for the completion of processes to revive ALUWORKS.
“These measures will help create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth and enable these entities to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country,” he said.
Addressing employers, Mr. Ayawine stressed the importance of collaboration and respect for labour laws. “Strict adherence to Collective Agreements and the Labour Laws of Ghana is essential to ensure industrial harmony, which is a key driver of productivity and economic growth,” he noted, while lamenting that some employers continue to violate these agreements.
He also cautioned employers who undermine workers’ rights. “Anti-union practices such as preventing unionisation, casualising jobs, and denying workers their rightful wages, salaries, and benefits carry serious consequences,” he warned.
In closing, Mr. Ayawine urged workers to remain steadfast in their commitment to national development. “I salute all workers and our social partners and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” he concluded.
