Bolgatanga: Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), a gender-focused organisation, has taken significant steps to improve the work environment within the informal sector by ensuring gender responsiveness.
According to Ghana News Agency, with financial support from ActionAid Ghana, WOM has amended workplace policies for some informal sector associations in the Upper East Region. This initiative aims to promote gender responsiveness and workplace decency. The amendments were developed in collaboration with the Ghana National Hairdressers and Beauticians Association, the Ghana Tailors and Dressmakers Association, and the Ghana Cloth Weavers Association.
The revised policies address various aspects, such as trainer, trainee, and customer relationships, admission and graduation fees, closing times, and other financial burdens. They also tackle forced labor issues that sometimes deter trainees from continuing their vocations. A new policy document has been introduced to address sanctions related to breaches of the rules and regulations.
At the policy launch and awareness session in Bolgatanga, Ms. Fati Abigail Abdulai, Executive Director of WOM, highlighted that the initiative aims to regulate the informal sector effectively, ensuring it plays a crucial role in providing practical knowledge and skills for sustainable job creation. She emphasized the importance of creating a work environment free from gender bias and stereotypes, which would encourage more young people, especially girls, to learn trades.
Ms. Abdulai noted that despite some prior modifications to individual association policies, gaps remained, particularly regarding the absence of sanctions for rule breaches. The new amendments introduce general rules and sanctions applicable across all associations involved, developed in partnership with these groups.
Under the new rules, a fine of GHS500.00 will be imposed on individuals who fail to meet closing time requirements, and the same fine will apply to trainers demanding gifts from trainees.
Mr. Jaladeen Abdulai, Upper East Regional Director of the Commissioner on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), pointed out that Ghana’s Labour Act had not been fully implemented in the informal sector. He welcomed the policy amendments as a step toward ensuring a good working environment, highlighting the importance of uniformity, accountability, and transparency in vocational training.
Mr. Abdulai also mentioned an appeal process for trainers and trainees who disagree with imposed sanctions. Mr. Yakubu Akuka, Upper East Regional Programmes Manager at ActionAid, expressed continued support for strengthening informal sector associations to attract more youth.
Ms. Veronica Kolog, Upper East Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Hairdressers and Beauticians Association, stated that the policies would address operational inconsistencies and foster better trainer-trainee relationships. Trainees expressed gratitude for the initiatives and called for increased education to ensure widespread awareness of the provisions.