GFL raises concerns over lack of coordination within labour front

The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr. Abraham Koomson, has raised strong concerns over the current state of disorganisation within Ghana’s labour movement, accusing the Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC) of exploiting a leadership void to assume control without proper mandate.

Addressing journalists in Tema on Thursday, Mr. Koomson described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that the absence of a clearly structured labour front has left many unions adrift, particularly in the face of sector-specific grievances. He stressed that the lack of effective coordination among labour bodies has created a dangerous precedent where the TUC acts without collective consensus.

Mr. Koomson pointed to the ongoing nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) as a reflection of the broader leadership crisis. The industrial action, which began on June 4, 2025, has severely disrupted healthcare services across the country, leaving patients without care and in some tragic instances, contributing to preventable deaths. The GRNMA is protesting what it describes as the government's failure to implement a revised Collective Agreement signed in May 2024.

According to Mr. Koomson, while the grievances of the nurses may be valid, the manner in which the strike was declared raises serious concerns. He cautioned that union leaders, particularly in essential services, must weigh the broader consequences of their actions. “If emotions of workers' leaders discount due process of the law to undertake actions that jeopardise the job security of employees, the consequences must be borne by the leadership,” he warned.

The GFL Secretary General also questioned the timing of the GRNMA leadership’s travel outside the country, suggesting it undermines the seriousness of their cause. “No matter what reasons are attributed to the action of the nurses' union, the motive becomes suspicious when the core leadership leaves the jurisdiction for Geneva to attend an ILO conference, making it difficult for the employer to engage in a resolution of whatever impasse,” he said.

He urged union executives in essential services to familiarise themselves with the relevant laws, especially those outlined in Section 120 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) and Regulation 20 of the Labour Regulations, 2007 (LI 1833), in order to avoid sanctions resulting from unlawful strikes. “As a trade union operating in the essential services sector, the leadership must be mindful of Section 120 of the Labour Act 2003 Act 651 and Regulation 20 of the Labour Regulations, 2007 (LI 1833) to forestall any explicit sanctions,” he pleaded.

Mr. Koomson further criticised the TUC for allegedly taking advantage of a legal gap in the Labour Act. He explained that while the law replaced the TUC with the broader concept of “Organised Labour,” it failed to outline a specific structure for this new body. This ambiguity, he argued, has allowed the TUC to operate unchecked as the presumed voice of all workers. He maintained that “Organised Labour,” as recognised by law, is meant to represent a coalition of independent unions, federations, and associations, not just the TUC. “It does not represent TUC,” he emphasised.

In response to this structural confusion, the GFL had previously sought clarity through legal channels, which resulted in a settlement agreement between the TUC and GFL in 2010. Mr. Koomson explained that the agreement outlined three key outcomes: a working definition of “Organised Labour,” an agreed decision-making structure, and a timetable for all unions to adopt and operationalise these frameworks. A nine-member committee, including representatives from ICU, TUC, CLOGSAG, GFL, and others, was formed to draft a comprehensive document addressing governance, membership, funding, leadership roles, and the overall scope of cooperation.

However, Mr. Koomson accused the TUC of obstructing the adoption of this draft, claiming that efforts to establish a proper structure for Organised Labour had been stalled by the congress’s unwillingness to cede control. “The TUC had been frustrating the conclusion of the process and the adoption of the draft of the committee to put in place proper organised labour instead of the knee-jerk and ad hoc approach by the TUC,” he said.

He revealed that the GFL had recently reactivated efforts to finalise the process and had written to the TUC on June 20, 2023, calling for immediate deliberation to resolve outstanding matters. Based on the current situation, Mr. Koomson has called for an urgent meeting to conclude discussions on formalising the structures of Organised Labour. “We call for an immediate meeting to deliberate on the formalisation of organised labour structures to be concluded and ensure that we proceed effective collective action of labour,” he stated.

He emphasised that this structural reform is essential for labour unions to exercise their mandate legitimately and respond effectively to workers’ concerns. According to Mr. Koomson, the future of labour relations in Ghana hinges on respect, transparency, and consultation, not unilateral action by a single organisation.

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