GTUC amends constitution

Madina(GAR), Dec. 18, GNA 96 Mr Kofi Asamoah, Deputy Secretary General of Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) on Sunday said its Constitution had been amended to include workers in the informal sector.

He explained that this would enable them benefit from social protection such as Social Security and other benefits under the National Labour Law.

Mr Asamoah announced this when speaking at the fourth anniversary celebration of Madina Traders Association of GTUC at Madina in the Ga East District of Greater Accra Region. The theme for the celebration was "Organising Informal Economy Workers - The Way Forward".

He said under the law workers in both the informal and formal sectors were classified as labour and therefore, urged workers in the informal sector to organise themselves into groups to join the GTUC in line with the law.

Mr Asamoah pointed out that one of the main focus; of GTUC was to encourage workers and groups including trade and artisan associations in the informal sector to join the labour front. The Deputy Secretary General said this would enable GTUC negotiate with Government, Metropolitan, Municipal, District Assemblies and other social partners on issues concerning the welfare of workers, adding "Unity is Strength".

Mr Asamoah stressed the need for a complete policy framework to develop the informal sector described as "The engine of growth". Mr F. X. Owusu, Officer in-charge of Informal Sector of GTUC, said workers in the formal sector constituted only 10 per cent of the country's labour force therefore; it was undemocratic for them to stay out of trade union activities.

He said this was one of the main reasons why GTUC was keen in organising workers in the informal sector to contribute their quota towards national development and enjoy workers' rights. Mr Owusu Frimpong, Chairman of the Association, explained that the name of the association had to been changed from Madina Shoe Sellers Association to attract other traders to join. He said it was formed to ensure peace and harmony among members and in addition, organise traders and sellers into a formidable group to join the GTUC.

Mr Frimpong appealed to operators in the informal sector throughout the country to form groups to join the GTUC for their voice to be heard. Mr Baba Zakaria, Presiding Member of Ga East District Assembly, appealed to the people to honour their tax obligations, tolls and levies to the assembly to enable it generate enough revenue to undertake development projects.

He said the assembly had instituted measures to improve revenue generation and appealed to traders to co-operate with its revenue collectors.