Gifty Abena Turkson, a Senior Industrial Relations Officer with the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has been elected as the new Deputy General Secretary of the union.
Her appointment was officially confirmed following the passing of Charles Kofi Osei, who was elected during the union’s 13th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Gomoa Fetteh in April 2024. Mr. Osei passed away on April 12, 2025. In line with the provisions of TEWU’s constitution, the National Executive Council, during a two-day meeting in Accra, approved Turkson’s elevation to the role.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azortibah.
With this appointment, Ms. Turkson becomes the first woman in nearly six decades to occupy the Deputy General Secretary position of TEWU. Her election marks another significant milestone in the union’s history, following the appointment of its first female National Chairperson during the same 2024 conference.
Prior to her promotion, Ms. Turkson served as the Eastern Regional Industrial Relations Officer. She previously held the same position in the Upper West Region, where she earned recognition as the Overall Best Worker by the TUC.
A seasoned labour advocate with over ten years of experience in industrial relations and labour policy, Ms. Turkson’s rise reflects the union’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive leadership. Her appointment also shifts the gender composition of the union’s national leadership, which now includes four female officers—National Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson, Deputy General Secretary, and First National Trustee—alongside three male officers.
Her election underscores TEWU's ongoing efforts to empower women within the labour movement and enhance representation at the highest levels of union leadership.
Source: Citinewsroom
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