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Canoe owners, fishers pledge to eliminate forced labour
Canoe owners and fishers have pledged to work in hand in hand to eliminate forced labour in marine fisheries.
For them, such collaboration would enable the sector to thrive and make strides.
These commitments were made when the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with the Ghana National Fishermen Council organistrainingngs for members of the Council in the Western Region.
It was necessitated to empower fishers and canoe owners to sustainably prevent and eliminate forced labour in coastal marine fisheries in Ghana.
At the training, Mr Emmanuel Kwame Mensah, National Project Coordinator at the International Labour Office said his outfit was mandated to promote decent work for all workers, regardless of where they worked.
He said for the millions of workers and employers, especially for young people in the informal economy worldwide, decent work remained an elusive goal.
“Ghana has been a member of the ILO since 1957 and has ratified eight Fundamental Conventions, with two others; C155 (Occupational Safety and Health Convention) and C. 187 (Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention), yet to be ratified.” He said.
Aside these Fundamental Conventions, he said the ILO had developed technical Conventions for specific areas in the marine fisheries adding that the ILO has established a Convention to ensure that fishers have decent conditions of work on board fishing vessels, considering the hazardous nature of the occupation.
“The convention – C. 188 which looks at Work in fishing, if ratified, will ensure fishers have the minimum requirements including accommodation and food; health protection, occupational safety, social security and medical care among others while on board a vessel” he sated
He said Decent Work involved opportunities for work that is productive and delivered a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for all, better prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom for people to express their concerns, organize and participate in the decisions that affect their lives and equality of opportunity and treatment for all both women and men.
He called for the strengthening of coordination among agencies and institutions working for the promotion of decent work.
Madam Cecelia Sagu Mensah, a Canoe Owner admitted that before the training there was a huge gap with reference to relationship with her workers.
For her she thought being hard on the workers would enable them work effectively and promote accountability.
“Before the training I was of the view that being lenient with my crew members will make them lose respect me for me. I always thought shouting at them and arresting them when they fail to make good payment will promote fear in them and they will not dare steal from me. However, this training has been eye-openerner and I will defray from verbally assaulting my workers. With reference to social protection packages like Social Security National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), I will ensure they are enrolled on it” she stated.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
