Mahama swears in seven-member National Labour Commission; demands fair and speedy justice

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in a seven-member National Labour Commission (NLC), charging the newly appointed members to restore public confidence in Ghana’s labour dispute resolution system through fairness, consistency and the speedy adjudication of cases.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at Jubilee House, President Mahama stressed that the Commission’s credibility was essential to maintaining industrial harmony and protecting the interests of workers and employers across the country.

He said both workers and employers must have confidence in the Commission’s ability to address their concerns fairly and without unnecessary delays.

“A worker with a grievance wants to know that somebody will hear it and deal with it fairly and expeditiously. An employer wants to know that the rules are clear and will be applied consistently. The National Labour Commission has a responsibility to do both,” President Mahama stated.

He explained that the Commission must demonstrate impartiality and professionalism in handling complaints to ensure that neither workers nor employers feel disadvantaged in the dispute resolution process.

President Mahama congratulated the new Chairperson and members on their appointments and expressed gratitude to their predecessors for their service to Ghana.

Recalling the establishment of the Commission under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), the President said the legislation provided an independent institutional framework for preventing and resolving industrial disputes and investigating labour-related complaints, including unfair labour practices.

He urged the new leadership to prioritise early engagement between employers and organised labour to prevent disagreements from escalating into major industrial disruptions.

“Where a dispute is taking shape, bring the parties together promptly and make full use of mediation. When a case requires a decision, hear each side fairly, patiently, and give clear reasons and deal with it without undue delay,” he charged.

The President also emphasised the importance of public education, urging the Commission to make workers and employers more aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law.

He said young workers must know where to seek assistance when their grievances remain unresolved, while small business owners must understand the obligations that come with employing people.

President Mahama further called on public institutions to take workplace grievances seriously and use established channels to address them.

“Industrial peace grows when people see that their concerns receive a fair hearing, and that agreements are respected,” he said.

Mahama calls for Labour Act review to address emerging workplace challenges

Touching on changes in the world of work, President Mahama said the ongoing review of the Labour Act must take into consideration the growing number of people earning their livelihoods through digital platforms.

He cited delivery riders who receive work through mobile applications, explaining that workers in such arrangements must have clear channels to address payment disputes and suspension of access to digital platforms.

“Think of a delivery rider who receives work through an app. If a payment is disputed or access to the app is suspended, the rider needs to know whom to contact and how to get a fair hearing. These are practical questions that our review of the Labour Act must address,” he noted.

He encouraged organised labour, employers, digital platform operators and platform workers to contribute to consultations on the proposed amendments to the Labour Act.

Justice Duose leads new Commission

The seven-member Commission is chaired by Justice Isaac Delali Duose, a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal.

The other members are Mr Joseph Kingsley Amuah and Mr Isaac Sackey, representing the Ghana Employers Association; Mr Prince William Ankrah and Mr Abdul-Samad Ali Gomdah, representing Organised Labour; and Madam Rosemond Freeman-Tettey and Mr Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere, presidential nominees.

The new Chairperson and members expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to discharge their responsibilities with transparency, fairness and impartiality.

The Commission is expected to play a key role in resolving labour disputes, promoting constructive engagement between employers and workers, and strengthening industrial relations in Ghana.

Its ability to deliver timely and impartial decisions will be central to rebuilding confidence in the country’s labour dispute resolution system and promoting sustainable industrial peace.