GAWU calls for seafood worker unions to ensure protection
The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has renewed calls for the formation of stronger worker unions across Ghana’s seafood industry, describing it as essential for protecting labour rights and improving productivity in a sector that remains largely informal.
Speaking at the GAWU–International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) Seafood Workers Conference in Accra, GAWU General Secretary Andrew Addoquaye Tagoe stressed that organised labour is critical to ending exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
“The fisheries industry has suffered. Apart from a few companies like Tropo Farms and West Africa Farms, where union structures exist, most of the sector has none. It is survival of the fittest. People work at sea without labour inspectors monitoring conditions, which has led to widespread exploitation on vessels. Through our union, we are putting systems in place so workers have conditions of service, collective agreements, and improved collaboration with boat owners to ensure their safety,” Mr Tagoe said.
Acting IUF General Secretary Kristjan Bragason called on African worker unions to deepen regional cooperation to protect seafood workers and raise labour standards.
“In some African countries, such as Ghana, we have strong tripartite collaboration between trade unions, government, and employers to promote decent work. But in others, such policies are missing. By gathering here, we can share best practices, learn from one another, and strengthen national frameworks. Working together regionally builds collective strength, and that regional strength can help shape global policies,” Mr Bragason observed.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), underscored the importance of ratifying and enforcing International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, noting their potential to transform the lives of seafood workers.
He highlighted Ghana’s early commitment, recalling that the country was the second to ratify key provisions aimed at protecting maritime labour rights.
Representing the Minister of Fisheries, Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management, stressed the sector’s importance to food security, nutrition, and employment.
He also revealed that fisheries provide jobs for an estimated three million Ghanaians and supply about 60 per cent of the country’s animal protein needs.
Despite this critical role, Mr Browne cautioned that the industry faces declining fish stocks, climate change pressures and persistent labour rights concerns.
He urged stronger advocacy and bolder strategies from both government and civil society.
