New Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Secretary General Joshua Ansah faces a challenging road ahead as he works to rebuild public and labour confidence in his leadership. Having recently taken over from his predecessor unopposed, Mr. Ansah’s first major task—suspending a highly anticipated nationwide strike—sparked widespread criticism, calling into question his ability to advocate effectively for workers.
There is growing public sentiment that organized labour has lost its once-strong fighting spirit. The newly elected GTUC Chairman himself acknowledged this during his speech in August, stating that while past leadership made efforts, the union had become “weak” and reliant on negotiation rather than assertive action. His call for renewed radicalism and stronger social dialogue dominated media coverage following the congress, overshadowing Mr. Ansah’s appointment as Secretary General.
Critics argue that Mr. Ansah, as the former Deputy General Secretary, carries the baggage of the previous leadership’s shortcomings, making it difficult to distance himself from their perceived ineffectiveness. Additionally, Mr. Ansah’s role as one of four organized labour representatives on the board of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) further complicates his position. Many believe these representatives failed to adequately protect workers’ interests, especially after MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, not labour leaders, exposed the planned sale of SSNIT’s stake in some hotels.
Given these challenges, Mr. Ansah must work diligently to prove his leadership and regain trust, or risk losing support for future GTUC-led industrial actions.
