Ratify ILO Convention 190 to protect workers – MDU

The Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU) has urged Ghana to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) to safeguard workers against workplace violence and harassment. MDU Deputy General Secretary Marian Atuguba argued that ratifying C190 would bolster decent work, enhance workers' well-being, and increase productivity across sectors like fisheries.

Nigeria has already ratified this convention, prompting Atuguba to implore Ghana to revive its stalled efforts. Atuguba, who served as ITF Women’s Chairperson and a member of the ITF Global Executive Board, addressed a three-day workshop at NAFAG Hall in Tema focusing on strengthening fisheries unions and promoting workers' knowledge of labour rights and safety.

The workshop, organized under the ITF/LO Norway Project, aimed to empower fisheries unions and raise awareness about workers' rights. Atuguba highlighted that Ghana had made progress towards ratifying C190 before the recent government change, but the process had since stalled. She expressed optimism that the ratification bill would be reintroduced and passed to achieve this goal.

C190 seeks to protect workers from various forms of violence and harassment, including domestic violence, which may affect productivity. Many workers in the fisheries sector have been subjected to harassment, believing it to be normal. Atuguba emphasized that informed workers are more productive, and ratifying the convention would significantly boost productivity in the fisheries sector and the national economy.

Participant Sheiryl Braimah, First Vice Chairperson of the MDU and Western Region Women's Organiser, praised the workshop as timely and crucial, as organized labour had been advocating for C190 for years. She expressed concern over the disproportionate impact of violence and harassment on women and children in fishing communities, who often faced exploitation and lacked awareness of their rights.

Braimah stressed that the workshop would educate fisherfolk about unacceptable practices and advocate for decent working conditions. She noted that while Ghana has yet to ratify the convention, organized labour continues to negotiate workplace protections through collective agreements and raises public awareness about workers' rights.

Braimah expressed confidence that workshop participants would disseminate the knowledge gained to educate others, build awareness, and ultimately push for ILO Convention 190's ratification.