The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has welcomed the recent advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which affirmed that the right of workers and their organisations to strike is protected under the International Labour Organization’s Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (Convention No. 87).

In a statement issued following the ruling on May 21, 2026, the GFL described the decision as a historic victory for workers, trade unions, collective bargaining, and democratic industrial relations across the world.

According to the federation, the ruling reinforces the long-held principle that freedom of association extends beyond the mere right to form or join trade unions and includes the ability of workers’ organisations to bargain collectively, engage in social dialogue, and undertake lawful collective action when necessary.

The federation noted that the right to strike remains a lawful and disciplined mechanism within democratic labour systems, especially in situations where negotiations, mediation, or collective bargaining processes fail to resolve labour disputes.

The GFL also commended the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), its leadership, legal team, and the wider global labour movement for their role in the proceedings leading to the advisory opinion.

Particular recognition was given to Mr. Paapa Kwasi Danquah, a Ghanaian lawyer and Director of Legal and Human and Trade Union Rights at the ITUC, who led the legal team during the proceedings before the ICJ.

The federation described his role as a significant Ghanaian contribution to what it termed a major global victory for labour rights and freedom of association.

The GFL further stated that the ICJ ruling comes at a crucial time for Ghana as discussions continue on proposed reforms to the country’s labour laws, including the proposed Labour Bill currently under consideration.

According to the federation, the advisory opinion presents an opportunity for Ghana to align its labour legislation with internationally recognised principles of freedom of association, collective bargaining, and democratic industrial relations.

It stressed that while the regulation of strike actions is necessary to maintain industrial peace, such regulations must remain reasonable, proportionate, and consistent with workers’ rights.

The federation therefore called on organised labour, government, employers, Parliament, labour administrators, and dispute resolution institutions to study the ICJ opinion carefully and reflect its principles in Ghana’s labour reform process.

The GFL reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and responsible trade unionism while insisting that the right to strike must remain a meaningful and effective tool for protecting workers’ collective voice and interests.