The National Labour Commission is sounding the alarm over a rising number of cases of unfair dismissals and terminations, particularly in Tema, within the Greater Accra Region.
According to the Commission, these complaints continue to increase its workload, prompting a commitment to proactive measures in resolving labour disputes.
Addressing the media in Accra on May 16, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Bernice Welbeck, assured the public of the Commission’s dedication to ensuring fairness in employment practices.
The National Labour Commission says it receives close to 100 complaints every month. Figures indicate that over the past two years, the Commission has handled more than 2,000 cases, with a total exceeding 6,000 in the last decade.
Most of these cases have to do with unfair dismissals, wrongful termination, and labour rights violations. Beyond individual disputes, the public sector has also seen numerous strikes and labour unrest, compounding the Commission’s workload and challenges.
In response, the Commission has decentralized its adjudication processes, expanding across the country to address cases more efficiently.
To further enhance its effectiveness, committees have been established in key regions, including Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Western, to spearhead labour resolutions.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Bernice Welbeck, emphasized the critical role of these committees, while acknowledging that Tema, in the Greater Accra Region, continues to record a significant number of labour disputes.
“In terms of the cases- cases about termination, cases about dismissal, cases about unfair labour practice, medical claims and all the cases that are classified by the Commission they come from Tema, currently Tema is topping in terms of the cases,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Asuman Adu, has urged members of the newly formed committees to maintain impartiality and recuse themselves from cases in which they have personal interests.
“In your adjudication of cases, you are advised to be guided by the 1992 Constitution, the Labour Act- Acts 651, legislative instrument 1822 and 1833 which deal with labour issues in the country,” he said.
