By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The newly elected chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Bernard Owusu has vowed to implement significant changes to revitalize the organization, which he describes as currently weak and unresponsive.
Mr. Owusu secured a decisive victory at the TUC’s quadrennial congress, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Kasoa in the Central Region, garnering 347 votes to defeat the incumbent, Alex Opoku-Nyarko.
In his address, Mr. Owusu committed to a transformative leadership style aimed at protecting workers’ rights more effectively.
He acknowledged the efforts of the previous leadership but emphasized the need for a change in direction.
According to him, the TUC has become weak, partly due to ineffective actions that have led to the organization approaching negotiations from a position of weakness.
Mr. Owusu advocated for a more radical approach combined with social dialogue, asserting that the TUC can achieve much more.
“We are living in a time of economic uncertainty where workers are under increasing pressure and gaps between the rich and poor continue to widen. Our fight is far from over. As the TUC chairman, I pledge to lead with integrity, transparency and deep commitment to the principles that have guided our union. I will make sure that the voices of workers are heard and that their rights are protected,” he said.
The newly appointed Deputy Secretary General, Joshua Ansah echoed the call for unity among TUC members, stressing that their strength lies in solidarity.
He urged all members to put behind what has happened and come together as a united front.
“Unity is what we are calling for and I have no doubt that when we unite, we can eradicate or reduce the problems facing workers,” he said.