Mr. Ignatius Awuah Baffour, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, has assured that the government remains dedicated to creating a conducive environment for Trade Unions, emphasizing the importance of their resilience.

Speaking at the 13th Quadrennial Delegates' Conference of the Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, Minister Baffour stated, “We will explore all avenues to make sure Trade Unions including the Ghana Mineworkers Union are resilient enough to help build the Ghana We Want.”

The conference, themed “Building Trade Union Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World of Work: Strategies for 2024 and Beyond,” gathered delegates to discuss the future of the labor market and strategies for adapting to the evolving world of work.

Minister Baffour acknowledged the significant contribution of the mining sector to the national economy and encouraged open-minded deliberations during the conference. He emphasized the evolving nature of work globally and the need for adaptability.

He highlighted the challenges faced by the mining sector, including poor working conditions and exploitation, stating, “Challenges such as poor working conditions, exploitation and abuse of workers' rights, including freedom of association and unfair termination of contracts of employment, did not help to build the resilience of workers and Trade Unions.”

Abdul-Moomin Gbana, General Secretary of GMWU, addressed the impact of technological transformation on the workforce, citing potential job displacement due to automation and artificial intelligence.

He stressed the need for adaptation and preparation to deal with the disruptive potential of AI. The Minister reassured that the government would prioritize Trade Unions, including the Ghana Mineworkers' Union, to contribute to national development.