ICU is Not a Pensioners Club: Time for Generational Renewal

AS THE Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) of Ghana gears up for its national elections this August, a debate has reignited about the future of leadership within the union.

At the heart of the discussion is a concern that has left many members questioning the direction of the organization: Why are retirees still at the helm of a union meant to serve the active workforce?

With some of the union’s top officials reportedly over the legal retirement age of 60, members are beginning to speak out, challenging what they see as a drift from the union’s founding mission, to protect and advance the interests of active, working Ghanaians.

“This is not leadership anymore. It’s becoming a retirement plan,” said a concerned ICU member who preferred anonymity.

A Workers’ Union, Not a Retirement Haven

Ghana’s Labour Act sets the statutory retirement age at 60, a threshold adhered to by workers. Yet, discrepancies between national laws and ICU’s internal constitution appear to allow room for continued leadership by those who have already crossed the retirement line.

Critics argue that this undermines the core identity of the ICU as a union for the working class, not a Pensioners’ club. Many fear that the entrenchment of retirees in leadership positions not only stifles innovation and generational renewal but also weakens the connection between leadership and the current realities of the workforce.

Membership Dues and Representation: A Growing Disconnect

ICU’s strength lies in its thousands of dues-paying members, who are under 60 and actively employed. These members contribute monthly through the check-off systems with the expectation that their interests, better conditions of Service and job security, will be vigorously defended by leaders who share and understand their life experiences.

Instead, some say, there is a growing disconnect.

“We have people who no longer face the same workplace challenges making decisions on our behalf,” said a concern ICU Member.

Looking Beyond Borders: South Africa’s Example

This issue isn’t unique to Ghana. In 2012, South Africa’s Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) faced similar tensions when older officials resisted succession. The backlash was fierce, eventually forcing the union to introduce age and term limits to protect its democratic and progressive character.

That precedent provides a valuable lesson: Without renewal, even the most powerful unions risk internal fragmentation and loss of credibility.

The Way Forward: Reform, Not Resistance

The call now is for ICU to prioritize structural reforms that align leadership eligibility with Ghana’s labour laws. These may include:

Enforcing a retirement age for executive officers.

Creating mentorship pathways to groom younger leaders.

Amending internal constitutions to prevent indefinite leadership tenures.

By doing so, the ICU can reaffirm its identity as a dynamic and forward-looking force for Ghanaian workers, not a shelter for post-retirement political careers.

Conclusion: A Union Must Evolve to Survive

ICU has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of Ghanaian workers for decades. But in the face of shifting workforce demographics and rising youth unemployment, the union must demonstrate its commitment to generational equity and democratic renewal.

The ICU is not, and should never become, a Pensioners club. It is a platform for active workers, and its leadership must reflect the energy, challenges, and ambitions of its base.