Bolgatanga, March 10, – The Trades Union Congress (Ghana) (TUC) has urged the Government to ratify ILO Convention 190 to strengthen protection for workers against violence and harassment in the workplace.
The labour union said ratifying the convention would enhance safeguards for employees, particularly women, and reinforce Ghana’s commitment to ensuring safe and dignified working environments.
The call was contained in a statement delivered on behalf of Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, by Madam Harriet Botchway, Head of the Gender and Child Protection Department, during the commemoration of International Women's Day 2026 in Bolgatanga.
The event was held under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls: The Role of Trade Unions.”
Adopted in June 2019 by the International Labour Organization and in force since June 25, 2021, Convention 190 is the first international treaty recognising the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.
The convention applies across sectors and covers workers in both the formal and informal economies, including employees, trainees and job seekers.
Mr Ansah said ratification would signal Ghana’s commitment to promoting safe, equitable and respectful workplaces, especially for women who are often the most vulnerable to harassment.
He observed that violence and harassment at workplaces continued to undermine workers’ rights, productivity and dignity, stressing the need for urgent measures to address the problem.
While acknowledging the important contributions of women to national development in sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, he said many still faced discrimination, unsafe working environments and harassment.
Mr Ansah commended women for their achievements over the years and noted that the theme for the 2026 commemoration highlighted the need for concrete actions to address gender inequality and promote workplace justice.
He reaffirmed the commitment of trade unions to advancing women’s leadership within the labour movement, strengthening gender-responsive collective bargaining and promoting workplaces free from discrimination and abuse.
The TUC Secretary-General also welcomed the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 but emphasised the need for sustained political will to ensure its effective implementation.
He further called on government to fast-track the ratification of ILO Convention 183 to guarantee at least 14 weeks of maternity leave in line with international labour standards.
Madam Scholastica Dery, Upper East Regional Secretary of the TUC, called for collective efforts to empower women to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Madam Doris Asoala, Upper East Regional Women’s Chairperson of the TUC, urged women to actively support campaigns aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and girls.
Mrs Georgina Aberese-Ako, Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Children and guest speaker at the event, said women could not realise their full potential if they were left behind in development.
She called on men to support gender equality initiatives and encouraged the inclusion of boys in advocacy efforts to promote positive attitudes towards women.
GHBUSS
10 March 2026
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