By Alex Ababio
The recent termination of employment and alleged acts of intimidation by Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited have brought the issue of unethical practices in Ghana’s labor market to the forefront. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has demanded the reinstatement of the three local union leaders, emphasizing the company’s abuse of workers’ rights and intimidation tactics.
Seeking to address this issue the article makes an attempt to delve into investigation in exploring the exploitative practices of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited ,thereby throwing light on the violation of labor rights and the need for urgent action in order to find a lasting solutions to this phenomenon.
Exploitative Practices and Violations:
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited stands accused of wrongfully terminating the employment of three local union leaders: the Union Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Chairperson.
Significantly , these kinds of attitudes and actions portray the company’s blatant disregard for the rights of its workers. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has condemned the intimidation and victimization of employees who choose to join trade unions.
As far as labour rights guaranteed to Ghanaian workers are concerned These exploitative practices are in direct violation of their freedom and are inimical to their personal and professional growth.
The Problem of Exploitation in Ghana:
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited’s unethical practices exemplify a wider issue of labor exploitation prevalent in Ghana’s labor market.
It is disheartening how some international firms prioritize profit over the well-being of their employees and thus perpetuate a cycle of abuse making their workers vulnerable and their rights compromised.
As they refuse to acknowledge unions and engage in meaningful negotiations, companies like Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited continue to undermine the principles of fair labor practices and equality.
In order to protect workers’ rights and ensure ethical treatment within the workplace there is the need to find a lasting solutions to this prevalent dilemma .
Ghanaian Labor Acts and Workers’ Rights:
The labor rights of Ghanaian workers are enshrined in various acts and legislation. The Labor Act of 2003 (Act 651) guarantees workers the right to form and join trade unions of their choice, engage in collective bargaining, and enjoy fair working conditions. Section 102 of the Act stipulates that workers have the right to form trade unions without seeking permission from employers. Furthermore, Section 111 protects workers from victimization or discrimination for participating in trade union activities.
The actions of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited directly contravene these labor acts and infringe upon the rights of Ghanaian workers to freely associate and organize.
Solutions to Address Exploitation:
To combat labor exploitation, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, strict enforcement of labor laws is crucial to hold companies like Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited accountable for their actions.
In order to curtail this pervasive problem there us the need for the Ghanaian government to strengthen regulatory bodies, including the National Labour Commission, so as to ensure thorough inspections are conducted regularly.
Government should institute substantial
penalties for violations will serve as a deterrent and promote compliance.
Furthermore , the system should seek to promote a culture of respect and to solidify a concrete collaboration between employers and trade unions empowers workers to assert their rights and safeguards them from exploitation. The Ghana National Commission for Civic Education , NCCE, should lead the campaign in creating public awareness to educate workers to know their rights and empower them to report any violations they meted out to them.
Recommendations for Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited:
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited must rectify its unethical practices and address the concerns raised by the Trade Union Congress.
The immediate reinstatement of the three local union leaders is essential to acknowledge the violation of workers’ rights. It is pertinent for the company to effectively engage in constructive dialogue with the union and fully adhere to the labor laws which includes fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions for all employees.
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited should prioritize the well-being of its workers and demonstrate its commitment to responsible and ethical business practices.
It is instructive to acknowledge that the
exposing of unethical practices within Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited has indeed thrown light on the
Immediate necessity to find a lasting solutions to labor exploitation in Ghana’s labor market.
Significantly,these exploitative practices do not only harm individual workers but also taint the reputation of the company and the country as a whole.
There is the need for Ghana’s labor market to endeavor to seek for fairness, respect, and adherence to labor rights.
Highlighting the significance of labor acts and workers’ rights in ensuring a just and equitable working environment, some experts in the field of labour markets have made stance known.
Dr. Ama Essel, a Law Expert stated ,“Workers have inalienable rights to form and join
trade unions without interference from employers. I have to emphasize that is important for companies to acknowledge the role of unions in safeguarding workers’ rights and engaging in constructive negotiations.”
Dr Ama Essel’s
opinion resonates
the principles enshrined in Ghana’s labor acts and highlights the importance of upholding these rights.
In this connection, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has a vital role to play in promoting workers’ rights and addressing labor exploitation.
In an interview with Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary-General of TUC Ghana, he indicated that there was the need for immediate action, “ i must stress that we cannot stand by and watch these violations and abuses of workers’ rights to go on . After 66 years of independence, Ghana must ensure that workers are protected, and their rights are upheld.”
To find a lasting solutions to the problem, the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations in Ghana has indicated its resolve to addressing labor exploitation.
The Honorable Minister Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, noted , “ I have to let everybody know that we will not tolerate any form of labor exploitation or violation of workers’ rights.
I want to give you the assurance that the government has already take the decision to continuously work to strengthen labor laws, enforce compliance, and create a conducive environment for workers to thrive.”
Despite the government’s determination to strength the labour laws ,the country should endeavor to effectively address labor exploitation , encourage collaboration among the government, corporations, and trade unions to help address the issue head on ..
There is the need for Government to intensify efforts to raise awareness of labor rights, provide training for employers, and establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations.
To ensure peaceful labour front , corporations must prioritize ethical practices, respect workers’ rights to unionize, and engage in fair negotiations.
Furthermore, Trade unions should develop the attitude to continue to advocate for workers’ rights and provide support and guidance to their members.
Finally, taking investigation into the unethical practices of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited has brought to the fore the need for swift attention to institute action against labor exploitation in Ghana’s labor market.
We cannot allow the violation of workers’ rights, intimidation tactics, and wrongful termination to continue to go on.
There should be an enabling environment to ensure all stakeholders unite in their commitment to upholding labor acts and protecting workers from exploitation.
When that is done , then the country can create a labor market where workers’ rights are respected, labor exploitation is eradicated, and fairness prevails.
