
The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has called for immediate justice and accountability following a severe industrial accident at the Afienya Industrial Zone, where a worker lost all five fingers while operating heavy machinery. Abraham Koomson, the Secretary-General of the GFL, expressed grave concern over the incident, citing it as a clear case of employer negligence and a failure to uphold mandatory safety standards within the industrial sector.
Koomson criticized the employer for allegedly stopping the injured worker’s wages shortly after the accident occurred, a move the GFL describes as an affront to the rights of the victim. The federation is demanding that the relevant authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the injury. Furthermore, Koomson announced that the GFL intends to carry out its own unannounced inspection of the site to assess the current safety protocols and determine if the worker had received proper training before operating the equipment.
This incident highlights the urgent need for the strict enforcement of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which governs workplace safety and worker compensation in Ghana. The GFL is advocating for regular safety audits across all industrial zones to prevent similar life-altering injuries. By pushing for accountability, the federation aims to ensure that industrial operations prioritize the physical well-being of their staff and adhere to diligent accident reporting standards.