Owusu-Koranteng, others head Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union
By: Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh
Daniel Owusu Koranteng - Executive Director of WACAM
The Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union(MDU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress(GTUC) has elected new National Officers at its 11th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference held in Winneba in the Central Region.
The new executives who would serve a four-year term are: Mr. David Songotu, National Chairman; Mr. Abdul- RahmanBaidoo, 1st National Vice Chairman; Madam Mary Andaara, 2nd National Vice Chairman and Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, General Secretary
The rest are: Mr Robert E.K. Mensah, Deputy General Secretary; Madam Alice Ama Essien, First National Trustee and Mr. Daniel Kofi Conney, Second National Trustee
Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng who leads the MDU in the next four years stated that his vision was to see the MDU united and strong to protect the rights of maritime employees.
He noted that the maritime industry is a male-dominated industry and intends to place premium on gender mainstreaming and youth participation in the work of the union.
According to Mr. Owusu-Koranteng, workers can protect their interest only when they are empowered through regular trade union education. “I would gear my efforts towards the strengthening of solidarity among the members of MDU for joint actions against violations of workers’ rights,” he said.
Mr. Owusu-Koranteng is a renowned advocate for the protection of the rights of people living in mining communities. He was described by CNN “ as a man of many visions and the voice of the poor in Ghana” when a documentary that profiled his life was shown on African Voices which is a CNN prime time programme that profiles the life of Africans who have made remarkable contributions to the continent’s development.
The Colorado-based American Indian Movement honoured Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng in April 2006 at a traditional American Indian ceremony in Denver, USA for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the protection of the rights of indigenous people.
He is married to Hannah Owusu-Koranteng (Mrs.) who is also an activist, has two children Akua Owusu-Koranteng and Kojo Owusu-Koranteng. He is blessed with one grand-daughter Nana Afua AduTwumwaa Kusi. He is a Chorister and worships at the Trinity Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Tema North.
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