Africa-Press – Ghana. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, on Monday, September 8, 2025, marked its 80th anniversary, a landmark in the nation’s industrial relations and political history, and a testament to the resilience, courage, and unity of Ghanaian workers.
A statement issued by Mr Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of TUC Ghana, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the TUC, founded in 1945, at the height of Ghana’s struggle for independence, had stood as a pillar in the struggles for fair treatment of workers, democratic governance, and equitable development.
It said over the past eight decades, the TUC had not only represented workers in collective bargaining, but had also influenced national policies on democracy, economic development, social protection, pensions, health care, and education.
The statement said from its early beginnings under colonial rule, the TUC provided a platform for workers to demand better wages and working conditions, often at great risk.
It said in the years leading to independence, the Congress became an ally of the nationalist movement, aligning the struggles of workers with the broader quest for independence and self-determination.
“Through successive governments both democratic and military, the TUC has remained a steadfast voice of workers, championing policies that protect livelihoods and fighting exploitation in all forms,” it stated.
“Today, with twenty-four affiliate unions, spanning the public and private sectors, the TUC stands as the largest and most influential labour organization in Ghana.”
The statement said a defining feature of TUC Ghana’s progress had been its ability to adapt and broaden its representation.
It said the TUC’s mission was to unite all workers in Ghana under one trade union movement; adding that in line with this mission, the TUC continues to embrace and extend its protective arms to all workers in all sectors.
It noted that the TUC remained a unifying body for all categories of workers from factory floors to the farms, mines, hospitals, classrooms to markets, transport, and from the public to the private sector to the informal economy.
It said over the past eight decades, the TUC had played a defining role in shaping Ghana’s labour landscape and had successfully negotiated wages and improved conditions of service for workers across industries, ensuring that the dignity of work was upheld.
The Congress has also been instrumental in pushing for pension and social security reforms that guaranteed workers a life of dignity after retirement across industries, ensuring that the dignity of work was upheld.
The statement said beyond wage negotiations, the TUC had been a strong advocate for gender equity, empowering women workers and securing their participation in union leadership.
The TUC has also championed the rights of informal sector workers, who now make up the majority of Ghana’s workforce, bringing their concerns into national policy debates.
It said at the international level, the TUC has partnered global labour organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to align Ghana’s labour standards with international benchmarks.
“Yet, despite these achievements, challenges remain-high unemployment, the rising cost of living, and widespread job insecurity continue to affect millions of Ghanaian workers,” the statement said.
“Wages remain low and unequal, so are pensions. Workers who desire to form or join unions are threatened with dismissals.”
The statement said the TUC acknowledges these challenges and reaffirms its determination to intensify advocacy for living wages, economic justice, and inclusive development that leaves no worker and indeed no Ghanaian behind.
“Our resolve to reform the existing labour laws to give workers more and better protection remain undiminished. As TUC Ghana enters its ninth decade, its vision is clear.”
It said the Congress looks forward to build a labour movement that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
The TUC also intend to embrace technology and digital tools to organize, educate, and mobilize workers, while also deepening its fight against inequality and defending the dignity of every Ghanaian worker.
The statement said the TUC would continue to sustain its historic role as a partner in nation-building, ensuring that development policies placed people at the heart of the development process.
It said in its new chapter, the TUC was determined to remain the beacon of hope and a rallying point for all Ghanaian workers.
It extended its gratitude to workers, past and present, affiliate unions, civil society allies, and international partners who had stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle for justice and fairness.
The Congress also called on government, employers, and all stakeholders to renew their commitment to decent work and social dialogue.
“Together, we can shape a future where no worker is left behind, and where Ghana’s progress reflects the dignity and contributions of its working people,” the statement said.
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