The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) have commenced a three-day workshop in Accra aimed at strengthening union-to-union cooperation to ensure that the global energy transition and climate policies do not undermine the livelihoods of workers in both countries.
The workshop, being held for the next three days, seeks to foster knowledge sharing between members of the NLC and the TUC.
The focus is on “Just Transition” and climate change, particularly how these critical issues affect the future of work.
The three-day meeting is under the auspices of the International Labour Organization- Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress, Mr. Joshua Ansah, stressed that the urgency of climate change is no longer up for debate.
He noted that across Africa and the world, workers are already experiencing the effects of unpredictable weather patterns, rising costs of living, and widening inequality.
“With rising temperatures, food insecurity, and forced migration, there is a pressing need to act justly,” Mr. Ansah stated. “That is why the principle of Just Transition is so vital. Climate policies must not worsen existing inequalities or compromise workers’ rights.”
Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara, ILO Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), described the conference as a groundbreaking event organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
She noted that the initiative brings together unions from both countries to collaborate on shared challenges.
“Over the next three days, we will hold technical sessions on ILO policies regarding Just Transition and climate change,” she said, adding that discussions will also focus on the role of social dialogue.
“Unions must be key players in national climate discussions, not sidelined.”
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Employers’ Association also emphasized that if the energy transition is not managed carefully, it could deepen existing inequalities and undermine decent work.
However, he added that the transition presents opportunities for innovation, growth in green enterprises, and more resilient labour markets.
Chairman of the International Committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Marwan Mustapha Adamu, highlighted that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a workplace reality.
“Workers, their families, and communities are on the frontlines of climate impacts,” he said.
The NLC and TUC agreed that trade unions must be active participants in climate solutions—not as an afterthought, but as key stakeholders in shaping policy.
They emphasized that climate policies must protect workers’ wellbeing and not sacrifice social justice in the name of environmental progress.
