Former National Labour Commission (NLC) boss Charles Bawa Duah is calling for a review of Ghana’s labour laws to make the Commission’s decisions binding on parties involved in industrial disputes.
Speaking in an interview with Starr News, Mr Bawuah argued that the existing legal framework allows parties to disregard the Commission’s recommendations, thereby weakening its effectiveness in resolving labour conflicts.
“Why should a decision of the NLC be enforced in court? Why can’t it have value? Why will it not have effects, except it is enforced in court?” he asked.
He said this situation creates “disrespect for the decisions of the National Labour Commission” and for the institution itself.
“Nobody cares about the NLC, nobody respects them,” Mr Bawa Duah stated.
He noted that a Supreme Court decision holds that when the Commission issues a ruling against a party, that party cannot simply ignore it but must go to court to have it quashed if they wish to challenge it.
Despite this, he said the practical effect is that the NLC is often treated as having little authority.
“In effect, the NLC has no value. A toothless bulldog, some would say,” he added.
Mr Bawa Duahmaintained that legislative changes are necessary to strengthen the Commission’s authority and ensure compliance with its directives, so that it can play a more effective role in settling industrial disputes.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
