Executives of the Domestic Services Workers Union (DSWU) have paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment to discuss ways the Ministry can support and strengthen the rights, protections, and work standards of domestic workers in Ghana.
The delegation, led by General Secretary Georgina Naa Anima K., expressed deep appreciation to the Minister for the opportunity to engage directly, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing the dignity of domestic workers. Members of the union also took turns to introduce themselves, setting a collaborative tone for the discussion.
With a membership of over 1,000 individuals spread across multiple regions, the union has been actively engaging in advocacy for better conditions for domestic workers. In her remarks, Ms. Anima emphasized the increasing abuse of domestic workers’ rights and the urgent need to formalize protections under the law. She revealed that only 20 percent of their members are currently enrolled in any form of social protection, and appealed to the Ministry for guidance on how to secure decent work opportunities for their members.
Congratulating the Minister on his appointment, the union also presented a copy of Legislative Instrument 2408, which governs domestic work in Ghana, to serve as a reference point for deeper collaboration.
In his response, the Minister thanked the union for their proactive engagement and recognized the critical role domestic workers play in the country’s social and economic systems. He reiterated his commitment to working closely with the union to ensure that domestic workers receive the full protection they deserve.
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo advised the union to submit a formal request outlining specific areas where support is needed. He also suggested the development of a code of conduct for domestic workers to encourage professionalism and accountability especially in light of concerns raised about some workers taking advantage of their employers. Furthermore, he encouraged employers to recruit domestic workers directly through the union to ensure reliability and traceability.
“The Ministry is making serious efforts to ensure that domestic workers are not only recognized but are also treated with dignity and protected by law,” the Minister stated.
The meeting ended with a mutual understanding to deepen collaboration in the coming months to promote decent work, social justice, and fair labour practices within the domestic work sector.
