TEMA, Ghana, 2nd May: Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has raised concerns about what he describes as a growing conflict of interest within the leadership of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), warning that it could undermine the effectiveness of labour advocacy in the country.
According to him, while engaging in private business is not inherently wrong, it becomes problematic when labour leaders simultaneously operate as employers.
He argued that such dual roles compromise their ability to represent workers impartially, particularly during negotiations with government and employers.
He believes if unions are unable to influence government policies and compel employers to act responsibly, it becomes extremely difficult to improve the working conditions of employees.
Mr. Koomson maintained that this situation is weakening the strength of labour unions and affecting their capacity to fight for improved conditions of service for workers.
“Looking at the current leadership of TUC, some of them are serious business people. Not that doing business is wrong, but you cannot combine business with union work, it will not work. Workers are negotiating with employers and government, so if you are an employer and also a union chairman, it is a clear conflict of interest, and it is not helping our union matters,” he stated.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, May 2, Mr. Koomson called on TUC leaders to demonstrate greater commitment, independence, and integrity in their roles.
He stressed that the credibility and effectiveness of labour representation depend on an unwavering focus on the welfare of workers, particularly in the pursuit of better wages and improved working conditions.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭