Tamale, March 12, – A three-day forum to review the Shea Sector Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has opened in Tamale, bringing together government, labour unions, employers, and civil society actors to strengthen labour relations and promote fair working conditions in Ghana’s shea industry.
The event is organised by the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in partnership with the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work programme. Funding partners include the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
Madam Silje Vevatne, Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ghana, lauded the programme, highlighting Norway’s commitment to strengthening social dialogue and tripartite collaboration in the labour sector. She praised the ILO and partners for advancing decent work standards and noted the sector’s progress, including the drafting of a new labour bill, the formation of sectoral associations, and policy engagements to promote economic growth while protecting workers’ rights.
Mr Wumbei Abukari, Northern Regional Industrial Relations Officer of GAWU-TUC, described the CBA review as a key step toward improving labour standards in Ghana’s largely informal shea sector. He stressed that the agreement would ensure fairer working conditions and support livelihoods for the many workers dependent on the industry.
“The impact of this agreement is significant, as it can help create more equitable and productive work environments,” Mr Abukari said. He also acknowledged the contribution of all stakeholders in developing and refining the agreement and emphasized the need to implement commitments effectively to benefit workers and enterprises in the shea value chain.
The workshop aims to assess current provisions, identify gaps, and propose enhancements to improve labour protections and strengthen productivity across Ghana’s shea sector.
GHBUSS
12 March 2026
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