Court settles 32-year Akosombo Textiles Limited labour dispute

The Accra High Court (Labour Division) has finally brought an end to a 32-year-old labour dispute between the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) and the Textile, Leather and Garment Union (TEGLU) at Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL).

In its ruling on June 19, 2024, the court affirmed ICU as the majority union within ATL, ordering TEGLU to hand over the bargaining certificate. Presiding Judge, Justice Rockson Aboawen, also directed that GH¢425,000, which had been frozen due to the dispute, be shared between the two unions.

The legal battle, which spanned over three decades, had caused tensions within ATL. However, with the court’s decision, the company is expected to return to a more stable and productive working environment.

Following the ruling, members of the ICU gathered outside the court in celebration, expressing relief over the resolution of the long-standing conflict. ICU General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, described the verdict as a victory for industrial peace and urged workers to focus on productivity to secure their jobs.

Local ICU Secretary at ATL, Joseph Botwe, assured that with the dispute settled, workers would rededicate themselves to restoring ATL’s reputation as Ghana’s leading producer of quality fabrics, wax prints, and designs.

ATL, established in 1967, was once a major employer with 1,600 workers. The factory was set up by Chinese-Hong Kong businessman, Mr. Cha, with support from the then Paramount Chief of Akwamu Traditional Area, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II.

With the legal wrangling now over, stakeholders are optimistic that ATL will regain its competitive edge in Ghana’s textile industry.