by Paula Määttä

VII. Ghana

E. The role of the social partners

Collective bargaining in Ghana is well established as a means of determining conditions of employment. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is composed of 17 industrial unions. The largest unions are the General Agricultural Workers Union, the Industrial and Commercial Union, the Construction and Building Workers Union and the Mine Workers Union. All unions, except those representing local government workers, which are not certified for collective bargaining under the industrial relations law, signed at least one agreement. (Gray 1980, 190; ILO 1985, 16.)

It has recently been reported to the ILO that some parties to collective agreements have begun to interpret discriminatory clauses as applying equally to both female and male employees in their establishments. For example, a clause applicable to "an employee, his wife and children is construed to mean "an employee, his or her spouse and children" so that the spouses and children of female employees may enjoy the same benefits as those of male employees. However, this is by no means a universal practice, as some employers hold the view that since the collective bargaining agreements in question were settled through negotiation, any such chanes would also have to be negotiated.

More males belong to the trade unions than women. Moreover, male employees are more active than female employees in the trade unions. Women constitute only 10 per cent of the total membership of trade unions in Ghana, and even in unions where they are more fairly represented, few serve in executive positions. Lack of union representation in executive positions weakens the ability of female employees to enforce the existing protective legislation, and it is a reflection of this weakness that the special needs of women employees are not covered by existing collective bargaining arrangements. The TUC has improved participation of women within their ranks through leadership training seminars. (cedaw 1991, 12.)

There are several workplace and trade associations in Ghana. The associations attend to the welfare of members at workplaces, organise seminars, and are concerned with the interests of women. (ILO Tripartite Seminar 1994, 88.)

F. The role of the public sector and NGOs

The National Council on Women and Development (ncwd) was established by government decree (NRCD 322) in 1975 as the official government machinery to ensure the advancement of women and their integration in national development. It deals specifically with women workers questions, seeks the elimination of all forms of discrimination and serves as an advisory body to the Government on all matters relating to women. The Council has focused on projects to raise the income earning capacity of women and has undertaken research on all areas of womens lives. (cedaw 1991, 6; ILO 1986, 78.)

Both governmental organizations and NGOs conduct seminars and workshops for women to improve their performance. Such organisations include the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), the 31^st December Womens Movement, the Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA), the Ghana Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Federation of Ghanaian Business and Professional Women, and the TUC. (Cedaw 1991, 7; ILO Tripartite Seminar 1994, 88.)