Ghana urged to ratify ILO Convention 190 amid worker exploitation concerns

Ghana's prolonged discussion over ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) is drawing significant concern as workers continue to face violence, harassment, and exploitation. The Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU) has issued a renewed appeal for the convention's ratification, urging that it be treated as a critical wake-up call rather than a routine request.

C190 is designed to provide protection against workplace violence and harassment, extending its scope to acknowledge how domestic and family issues can impact workers' productivity. This is particularly relevant in Ghana's fisheries sector, where workers, especially women and children, often operate in challenging environments and can be highly vulnerable. Disturbing revelations from a recent workshop for fisheries unions in Tema highlighted instances where women allegedly faced demands for sexual favors in exchange for purchasing fish.

Sheiryl Braimah, First Vice Chairperson of the MDU and Women’s Organiser for the Western Region, described these situations as exploitation, not minor workplace disagreements. Marian Atuguba, the MDU Deputy General Secretary, stressed that victims sometimes endure such abuse due to a lack of awareness about their rights or a normalization of unacceptable behavior. She emphasized the need for education, enforcement, and robust legal protection to work in tandem.

Atuguba expressed disappointment that the ratification process, which had reportedly seen progress before a government change, stalled afterward. "We have been pushing for the ratification of this convention for some time now. It is unfortunate that after the change in government, we have gone back to ground zero," she stated, expressing hope for the bill's reintroduction and passage. The article argues that such delays, particularly those linked to governmental transitions, undermine institutional continuity for issues vital to worker safety, dignity, and well-being.

The government is urged to urgently restart the ratification process, collaborating with organized labor, employers, and other stakeholders to address any remaining issues. Parliament is also called upon to act swiftly once the bill is reintroduced, avoiding further legislative gridlock. Employers, too, share a responsibility in this matter, and ratification should be viewed as more than just a procedural step.

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We have been pushing for the ratification of this convention for some time now. It is unfortunate that after the change in government, we have gone back to ground zero. We are hopeful that the bill will be reintroduced and passed so that the convention can be realised in Ghana.