Our History

The Journey of UNEAGES

From colonial struggles to modern trade union pluralism - Our story in Ghana's labour movement

Trade Unionism in Ghana: The Foundation

Trade Unionism in Ghana dates back to the Gold Coast Colonial era in the 1940s when Industry, Commerce, Banking and Public service was mainly managed by Colonial Masters and foreign business owners. Workers did not have their free will to form unions at their respective work places until the political agitations by politicians for Self Government reached its highest peak.

The heroic role of Railway Enginemen and Workers at the Sekondi/Takoradi Bottom Tree resonates well with trade unionism in the Gold Coast and Ghana. Workers in the then Gold Coast used their huge numbers to advantage and joined in the process for attention and recognition as a formidable force to reckon with.

1945

Formation of Gold Coast Trade Union Congress

In 1945, the Gold Coast Trade Union Congress was formed with support from the Freedom Fighters. This organization became the Trades Union Congress after the 1957 declaration of Ghana's Independence.

The "Flood Gate" was opened and workers' groups kept on emerging, with numbers fluctuating as workers organized for their rights.

1965

Industrial Relations Act 299 of 1965

In recognition for its vital role in the struggle for independence, the CPP Government built some form of hedge around the workers movement against infiltration and sabotage by the colonial masters who were not satisfied with losing grip over their exploitative action on workers.

The Industrial Relations Act 299 of 1965 was passed to hedge the Trade Union monopoly. At that time, it was unlawful for any trade union group to emerge outside the TUC.

1993

Birth of Trade Union Pluralism

The landscape changed in 1993 when the Textile Group broke away from the Industrial & Commercial Workers Union [ICU] to pave way for Trade Union Pluralism under the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

The Textile Union eventually founded the Ghana Federation of Labour as the 2nd Labour Center to mobilize independent Trade Union groups into a formidable 2nd Trade Union Center.

Early 2000s

PRISTEG: Private School Teachers' Struggle

The Union of Education, Agriculture & General Services Workers started as Private School Teachers & Educational Workers Union of Ghana (PRISTEG), which was a founding member of Ghana Federation of Labour [GFL].

Organising in the Private Schools in Ghana remained the most difficult engagement for a very long time. It was characterized with high level exploitation, intimidation, and victimization of the teachers and workers therein. Only few private schools in Tema and Ashaiman environs could allow trade union practices in their respective schools.

2011

Formation of UNEAGES

As a result of frustrations in organizing private schools, the leadership of PRISTEG decided to change the name to open it up for other trade union sectors to be brought in. Around the same period, there was some misunderstanding brewing within the leadership ranks of Food and Allied Workers Union that resulted in a split.

One of the split groups approached the leadership of PRISTEG and the two groups agreed to merge the two unions. Trade Unions as a Mass Movement thrives on Unity and Solidarity, and thus two unions came together as one stronger union: UNION OF EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE & GENERAL SERVICES WORKERS [UNEAGES of GFL].

The amalgamated UNEAGES was registered as a Limited Liability Entity (limited by Guarantee) at Registrar General's Department in 2011 and finally certified as a Trade Union by the Chief Labour Officer also in 2011.

Present Day

Modern Trade Union Representation

As a latter-day Trade Union, there was very little left in the Public Sector to mobilize. So, we focused much of our efforts into mobilizing membership in the Private Sector.

UNEAGES organizes and represents workers in the following sectors:

  • Food Processing
  • Aviation Services
  • Agriculture Export Processing
  • Manufacturing
  • Goods and Services Distribution
  • Advertising and Designing
  • Informal Economy
  • Horticulture outgrowers cooperatives

Our Legacy & Continuity

While UNEAGES appears to be a recently registered Trade Union, its leadership has a wealth of experience in Trade Union Leadership and Administration. We carry forward the legacy of Ghana's trade union pioneers who fought for workers' rights during the colonial era and independence struggle.

Our journey continues with the same spirit of solidarity that characterized the heroic Railway Enginemen and Workers at Sekondi/Takoradi Bottom Tree, adapting to modern challenges while remaining true to our core mission: organizing and representing workers for dignity, fair treatment, and equitable growth.