TUC elects new leadership

The Ghana Trades Union Congress(TUC) has chosen Bernard Owusu as its new leader.

Mr. Owusu served as the General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union’s (GTPCWU) National Chairman prior to being chosen as the TUC’s Chairman. He replaces Alex Opoku-Nyarko.

With 347 votes, Bernard Owusu defeated Alex Opoku-Nyarko, who was running for reelection.

Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah is also replaced as substantive Secretary General by Deputy Secretary General Joshua Ansah.

Bernard Owusu, the recently elected head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has promised to bring about significant changes to address what he views as the organization’s current weak and unresponsive position.

The TUC’s quadrennial congress was held at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Kasoa in the Central Region.

He pledged a transformative approach focused on safeguarding workers’ rights.

“The current leadership, they have done their bit but I think it is time we change and move on. The TUC as it stands today is weak and the reason being that, as TUC, there are a lot of things that are happening that I think should have been done better. Currently, we got to the negotiation table to beg. I believe that radicalism and social dialogue is the game. I believe that we can do more and better.”

“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.

Joshua Ansah, the newly elected Deputy Secretary General, urged TUC members to stick together, saying that unity is what makes a group strong.

“Let us all put what has happened behind us and unite our front. I am calling for unity because in unity lies strength. Let us leverage the unity that we have and ensure that we do what is expected of us. 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.

The full results are as follows:

511 delegates

Chairman
Bro. Bernard Owusu – 347
Bro. Alex Nyarko 163

Rejected – 1

Vice Chair (Women)
Sis. Salamatu Braimah 341
Sis. Vida Akuban 49
Sis. Georgina 107

DSG
Bro. Kwabena Otto 222
Bro. Bernard Adjei 194
Bro. Frankline O. Ansah 93

Rejected – 2

Newly elected national officers of TUC

Chairman – Bernard Owusu
Vice Chairperson – Ken Koduah
Vice Chairperson (women) – Salamatu Mahama Braimah
Secretary-General – Joshua Ansah
Deputy Secretary General – Kwabena Nyarko Otoo

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com