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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
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
