Shea workers in Ghana have signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) aimed at strengthening labour relations, improving working conditions and boosting productivity within the country’s shea value chain.
The agreement was signed at the end of a three-day meeting as part of efforts to organise shea workers across the country and establish clear standards to protect both workers and employers in the sector.
The meeting was organised by the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress in collaboration with the Ghana Employers Association and supported by the International Labour Organization under the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work Programme.
The programme received funding support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.
The event brought together representatives from labour unions, employers, development partners and civil society organisations to review and finalise the agreement for the shea industry.
Mr Wumbei Abdulai, Northern and Upper East Regional Industrial Relations Officer of GAWU, speaking during the event in Tamale, said the initiative formed part of efforts to organise workers in the shea sector, which is largely dominated by women.
He said organising workers into unions and establishing a collective bargaining agreement would help protect their rights while strengthening standards within the industry.
Mr Abdulai noted that the agreement would serve as a framework to protect both employers and employees while helping to improve productivity and overall performance in the shea sector.
He explained that the process leading to the signing of the agreement received support from several partners, including the International Labour Organization, the Trades Union Congress, the Ghana Employers Association and other stakeholders within the shea value chain.
Hajia Rabiatu Abdul-Karim, President of the Ghana Shea Employers Association, expressed appreciation to the International Labour Organization for supporting the sector and promoting collaboration among actors in the shea value chain.
She said previously many stakeholders in the industry operated independently, but the new framework had brought them together to work collectively to improve the sector.
Hajia Abdul-Karim noted that the collective bargaining agreement would also help enhance the credibility of shea producers seeking international certifications such as organic and fair trade standards.
She, however, appealed to government to provide additional financial and policy support to enable the shea industry to expand its operations.
Miss Charlotte Esenam Afudego of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs said the programme sought to promote decent work and productivity while strengthening private sector development.
She noted that the private sector played a key role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and improving working conditions.
Miss Afudego added that the collective bargaining agreement would help create a mutually beneficial framework where employers adhere to responsible business practices while workers benefit from improved working conditions.
