The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has announced the election of Miss Gifty Abena Turkson as its new Deputy General Secretary.
Her appointment follows the untimely passing of Brother Charles Kofi Osei, who was elected during the Union’s 13th Quadrennial Delegates Conference at Gomoa Fetteh in April 2024 and sadly passed away on April 12, 2025.
In a statement signed by the general secretary of TEWU-TUC King James Azortibah on June 26, he explained that in line with the Union’s constitution, the National Executive Council, during a two-day meeting held in Accra, unanimously confirmed Miss Turkson’s appointment.
“This is a significant moment in the history of TEWU,” said King James Azortibah, General Secretary of TEWU. “For nearly six decades, the Union has not seen a woman occupy this role. Miss Turkson’s election is not only a tribute to her experience and commitment, but also a progressive step toward gender equity in our leadership.”
Miss Turkson becomes the first woman to assume the role of Deputy General Secretary in the Union’s nearly 60-year history. Her appointment comes a year after TEWU elected its first female National Chairperson, also during the 13th Quadrennial Delegates Conference.
Prior to her elevation, Miss Turkson served as the Eastern Regional Industrial Relations Officer (IRO) of TEWU. She had previously worked as the IRO in the Upper West Region, where she was recognized as the TUC Upper West Regional Overall Best Worker.
Her election marks a significant shift in TEWU’s gender representation at the national level. The Union’s national leadership now includes four women: the National Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson, Deputy General Secretary, and First National Trustee—alongside three male national officers.
“With this election, we see a rebalancing of our leadership dynamics,” noted Mr. Azortibah. “It is a reflection of TEWU’s continued commitment to inclusivity, capacity building, and empowerment of women within the trade union space.”
Miss Turkson brings a wealth of experience and academic credentials to the role. She holds:
• An M.A. in Labour Policies and Globalisation from the Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany.
• An M.A. in Labour Studies and a B.A. in Management Studies from the University of Cape Coast.
• A Diploma in International Labour Strategies from the University of Kassel, Germany.
She is also an Online Academy Tutor with the Global Labour University (GLU) and has represented Ghana internationally as a Student Representative and Academic Board Steering Committee Member within the GLU network.
Miss Turkson is known for her scholarly work, including research on the impact of IMF bailouts on the informal economy and her strong advocacy for labour rights. She has served as a resource person in numerous TUC training workshops, championing causes in gender equality, occupational health and safety, just transition, migration, and educational leadership.
Speaking after her confirmation, Miss Turkson expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her:
“It is both a humbling and historic responsibility. I am deeply committed to continuing the work of empowering workers, defending their rights, and contributing to the broader labour movement, both locally and internationally.”
The National Leadership of TEWU assured her of their full support, emphasizing a shared vision to improve conditions of service and welfare benefits for all members.
“Together, we will build on our collective strengths to move the Union to greater heights,” concluded Mr. Azortibah.
