ICU calls for stronger government policies to create jobs for Ghanaian youth

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) has urged the government to introduce stronger, consistent and sustainable policies to address youth unemployment and stimulate industrial growth in Ghana.

The Union says effective policy interventions are critical to creating sustainable jobs, attracting investment, strengthening the economy and improving Ghana’s competitiveness in the global labour market.

The General Secretary of the ICU, Morgan Ayawine, made the call at an event where he was recognised by Business Executive, a civil society organisation, as one of the most hundred influential personalities and trade unionists Africa, in recognition of his contributions to labour relations and industrial development.

Mr Ayawine said organised labour had an important role to play in national governance, particularly in influencing policies that support businesses, attract investors and create employment opportunities.

“When we talk about our governance system, people perceive politicians and those who work within government as the people who have the preserve to govern. But we constitute part of the governance system in this country, and that is why, over the years, we have been advocates seeking to influence the direction of policies,” he said.

He added that sound and consistent policies were essential to ensuring job security and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“When we have the right policies in the country, we can be sure of job sustainability because these policies are supposed to drive businesses and open up the landscape for more investors to come into our country,” Mr Ayawine stated.

ICU pushes for industrial revival

The ICU has been advocating measures to strengthen Ghana’s industrial sector, protect workers’ interests and deepen collaboration among government, employers and organised labour.

Among the key issues on the Union’s agenda are the revival of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), the recapitalisation of financial institutions and the revitalisation of Ghana’s textile industry.

The Union believes renewed investment in these sectors could increase domestic production, expand industrial capacity and generate employment for the country’s growing youth population.

However, it maintains that inconsistent government policies remain a major obstacle to achieving these objectives, making a stronger and more predictable policy framework necessary to support long-term industrial development.

The ICU is therefore calling for sustained government commitment to policies that promote investment, strengthen local industries and ensure that economic growth translates into meaningful employment opportunities.

Ayawine outlines transformation agenda

Commenting on his recognition, Mr Ayawine expressed gratitude to stakeholders whose support and cooperation, he said, had contributed to the achievement.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support, loyalty and cooperation of all stakeholders. Going forward, my role is to move this Union forward,” he said.

He also outlined plans to transform the Union and expand its influence beyond Ghana, noting that the recognition marked another milestone in his trade union leadership.

“Going forward, this Union will be transformed. We are talking about national recognition, and today I am receiving my second African award. The next time, I will make sure that we go beyond Africa,” he said.

Mr Ayawine said the ICU had commissioned a transformation agenda aimed at repositioning the organisation and strengthening its presence across the continent.

“That is why we have commissioned a transformation agenda, and that is going to transform the Union along the corridors of Africa,” he added.

The ICU says achieving sustainable industrial growth and tackling youth unemployment will require closer cooperation among government, employers and organised labour.