ICU-Ghana General Secretary Morgan Ayawine named among Africa’s 100 most influential people

The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana), Morgan Ayawine, has been recognised among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Persons for 2026. The award was presented to him at the union’s headquarters at the Hall of Trade Unions in Accra on Wednesday, October 14, after he was unable to attend the ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, where the honours were announced on September 25. A delegation from The Business Executive, organisers of Africa’s Most Influential Persons Awards, presented the award in the presence of ICU-Ghana’s leadership, management and staff.

The award package included a medal, plaque, citation and book. In its statement announcing the recognition, ICU-Ghana attributed Ayawine’s selection to his leadership and advocacy in trade unionism, corporate governance and government policy, particularly efforts it said had supported socioeconomic development and industrial growth. The union also credited his advocacy with helping to prevent the transfer of strategic national assets to private investors and supporting the recapitalisation of some state-owned enterprises.

These claims were contained in the union’s statement on the award. Ayawine leads ICU-Ghana, which represents workers across several sectors, including industry, banking, finance, commerce, hospitality and the informal economy. The union said his engagement with employers and government had contributed to industrial harmony and a conducive working environment.

It described the award as recognition of his commitment to organised labour and national development. The citation presented to him praised his leadership, achievements and contribution to Africa’s growth, highlighting his dedication, integrity and commitment to excellence. Previous recognitions The union said Ayawine had received two other awards in 2026.

In March, he was recognised at the Ghana Development Awards for his contribution to labour rights and industrial harmony for national development. In August, he received a continental award in Zambia recognising him as Africa’s Most Respected CEO in Labour and Union Leadership. Both awards were organised by The Business Executive, according to ICU-Ghana.

Ayawine credits union members and partners In a brief remark after receiving the latest award, Ayawine attributed the recognition to the support of ICU-Ghana’s leadership, management, staff and members, …