July 11, 2017
The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) has raised questions about the modalities used for the appointment of the new Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission (NLC), describing it as improper.
The Union wants the government to reconsider the modalities which is says violated the regulations for appointment.
President Akufo Addo has appointed a new Executive Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Ofosu Asamoah, to replace Mr. Charles Adongo Bawa Duah who was appointed by former President John Mahama in 2016.
But the ICU contends that the process of replacing Mr. Duah with Mr. Asamoah without recourse to laid down procedure is likely to impact negatively on labour issues.
The protest comes in the wake of the Trades Union Congress’ advise to the government to halt what it termed as “selective dismissals and transfers” of public sector officers who were appointed by the previous government.
According to Solomon Kotei, General Secretary of the ICU, the selection of the new Executive Secretary must be conducted in a transparent manner so as not to infringe on the rights of all stakeholders.
He explained that the appointment was done without the involvement of the Public Services Commission which is legally mandated to do so.
“This is the right for the Public Services Commission; the Commissioners are also appointed by the tripartite committee comprising government, labour and employers association.
“If with the executive powers of the President, they want to usurp the power of the Public Services Commission, what we are advising is that the position should be made vacant to enable the government to take such action.
“Even so, that person must go through the right procedure,” he said.
Meanwhile the ICU has served notice it will intensify the pressure should its appeal remain unheeded.
“The momentum is gathering; organised labour is putting itself together and probably a stronger position and voice may be heard than what ICU has done,” he asserted.
Mr. Charles Adongo Bawa Duah assumed office after Dr. Bernice Welbeck who served as Acting Executive Secretary of the NLC for about three years.
By: Nii Adotey/adrdaily.com
