The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, Brother Morgan Ayawine, has called for greater inclusion and participation of Senior Staff Associations (SSAs) in the mainstream union framework.
Delivering a keynote address at the PMSU Co-ordinating Council Conference held at ICU House in Kokomlemle, Accra, Mr Ayawine emphasised the need for organisational coherence and unity as the Union prepares for its 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference, scheduled for 20th to 22nd August 2025 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Speaking on the significance of the conference, Mr Ayawine described it as a critical moment for stocktaking, strategic planning, and the reconstitution of the PMSU Executive Committee.
He highlighted that this gathering follows the successful completion of regional conferences, a constitutional prerequisite for the upcoming national delegates’ conference. “This forum allows us to reflect on developments within the Union, particularly within the PMSU, and map out our path for the next quadrennial,” he stated.
Tracing the evolution of the Public and Mixed Services Union (PMSU), the General Secretary noted a marked increase in membership over the years.
He attributed this growth to rising awareness among Ghana’s working class — including senior staff and managers — of their constitutional right to freedom of association. According to him, many former Senior Staff Associations have transitioned into mainstream unions, seeking a stronger collective voice and greater protection of their socio-economic interests.
“We have come a long way. PMSUs are now fully integrated into mainstream unions, which enables joint discussions and decision-making at the Regional Council level,” Mr Ayawine declared.
He encouraged SSAs still on the fringes of unionism to take advantage of the prevailing momentum and align with the ICU. “Those still operating under old-age structures are missing out on the numerous benefits being enjoyed by their counterparts in the PMSU,” he cautioned.
Brother Ayawine underscored that inclusive unionism fosters not only better labour relations but also enhanced workplace productivity and harmony. He urged employers to see the value in encouraging both junior and senior staff to unionise, pointing to improved communication, collaboration, and operational efficiency. In his concluding remarks, he called on all delegates to conduct themselves with decorum at the forthcoming national conference to preserve the Union’s integrity and unity.
The PMSU Co-ordinating Council Conference, held under the auspices of the ICU-Ghana, forms part of a broader process of organisational renewal and strategic positioning as the Union charts its course toward a more integrated and empowered labour front in Ghana.