ILO Hosts Landmark Conference on Just Transition and Climate Change in Ghana
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has convened a groundbreaking three-day conference in Tema, bringing together trade union leaders from Ghana and Nigeria to strengthen advocacy for a just transition and address the impacts of climate change on workers.
Held under the theme “Union to Union Cooperation for Enhancing Advocacy on Just Transition and Climate Change,” the workshop aimed to foster collaboration between the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The goal: to share experiences, shape joint strategies, and position workers at the center of climate policymaking across West Africa.
Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara, ILO Senior Specialist for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), emphasized that workers are bearing the brunt of climate impacts—losing jobs, facing deepened poverty, and experiencing growing inequalities. “This transition must include social dialogue where unions actively shape climate solutions,” she said.
TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah stressed that climate policies must protect—not sacrifice—workers’ well-being. “Trade unions must be part of climate solutions from the start,” he said, citing the TUC’s 2024–2028 Policy Statement outlining the labor movement’s climate priorities.
Alex Frimpong, CEO of the Ghana Employers Association, echoed the call for social partner collaboration, stating that if managed well, the green transition could foster innovation, job creation, and resilient labor markets.
Representing Nigeria, Mr. Marwan Adamu Mni of the NLC emphasized the need to develop a regional common position ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil later this year. “Workers and their families are on the frontlines of climate change, so unions must lead the call for inclusive, green economies,” he said.
The conference also featured technical sessions on ILO’s just transition guidelines, field visits, and action plan development to help Ghana and Nigeria strengthen worker-focused climate strategies in sectors most at risk.
