The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) is stepping up efforts to establish stronger union representation within seafood companies across Ghana. This initiative aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of fishers while boosting productivity in a sector that remains predominantly informal and underregulated.
Speaking at the GAWU–International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) Seafood Workers Conference held on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Accra, GAWU General Secretary Andrew Addoquaye Tagoe emphasized the urgent need for collective action to improve conditions in the fisheries industry.
“The fisheries sector has long been neglected. Aside from a few companies like Tropo Farms and West Africa Farms that have union structures in place, the vast majority operate without any organized representation. It’s a survival-of-the-fittest environment,” Tagoe said.
“Many workers spend long hours at sea with no oversight from labour inspectors, leading to exploitation. Through our union, we are establishing systems to introduce formal conditions of service, collective agreements, and partnerships with boat owners to improve safety and working conditions.”
Kristjan Bragason, Acting General Secretary of the IUF, urged African trade unions to strengthen regional cooperation to better advocate for seafood workers across the continent.
“In some African nations, such as Ghana, there is strong tripartite collaboration among unions, governments, and employers to promote decent work. However, many countries lack such frameworks,” Bragason noted. “This conference allows us to share knowledge and best practices to build stronger national and regional structures, which can in turn influence global labour standards.”
Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), highlighted the critical role of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions in protecting seafood workers. He praised Ghana’s commitment, noting the country was the second to ratify key ILO provisions focused on labour rights in the sector.
Representing the Minister of Fisheries, Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at the Ministry, underscored the fisheries sector's importance to Ghana’s economy and food system. He stated that the industry provides employment for around three million Ghanaians and supplies approximately 60% of the nation’s animal protein needs.
Despite its significance, the sector continues to face major challenges, including dwindling fish stocks, the effects of climate change, and serious labour rights concerns. Addressing these issues, he said, will require stronger advocacy from unions and active engagement from civil society.
Source: CitiBusinessNews.com
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments