Emelia Ghansah from the Ghanaian agricultural union GAWU:
"We are working together and speaking with one voice"
Emelia Ghansah described the FNV programme she attended in the Netherlands in the third week of September as "truly inspiring". Ghansah is head of training at the Ghanaian agricultural union GAWU and has been working on the issue of safe and healthy working practices in relation to pesticides for some time. During her week in the Netherlands, the focus was on the use of pesticides in agriculture.
Ghansah was particularly impressed by the visit to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). "I was a bit sceptical at first, but the staff's interest turned out to be genuine. They wanted to know exactly what happens on Ghanaian plantations. And they realized that they have work to do. I got a business card from a staff member who assured me that I could always call her."
Ghansah was also interested in the field visit to the organic seed company Vitalis. "I learned a lot there as a trainer. Vitalis showed, for example, that elephant grass can help keep the soil moist. We consider it a weed, but in a hot country like Ghana, it is actually very useful. Marigolds are also useful. They keep certain insects away from crops. That’s very good to know. I will definitely use this information during training sessions with our members."
Win-win development
Her first impression of the Dutch policy of combining aid and trade in agriculture is positive, she said. She sees opportunities, particularly in the combi-track (a multi-year sectoral approach for emerging markets, in which government, businesses, knowledge institutions and civil society organizations work together). "If it is used for employees, it presents opportunities. In Ghana, many young people leave school without skills. If they are trained in these skills and knowledge is exchanged, sectors such as horticulture and palm oil will grow. They also need to be trained in workers rights. This will create a win-win development. And we as trade unions can help with this."
One language
International solidarity means a lot to Ghansah. "This hand helps this arm," she says, placing her left hand on her right upper arm, "despite the body in between. It seems we are able to protect our workers together with Mondiaal FNV and FNV. Based on human dignity, we do it together and speak one language."
Interview: Astrid van Unen