Organised Labour in the Volta and Oti Regions has urged government to shift its economic focus from macroeconomic stability to policies that deliver decent jobs, fair wages, and improved living conditions for workers.
The call was made by Mrs Edith Abla Amenuvor Afewu, Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress Ghana for Volta and Oti, during the 2026 May Day celebration held in Ho.
She argued that economic recovery means little unless it results in quality jobs and meaningful income growth for workers.
“Ghana does not need macroeconomic stability alone. Ghana needs stability that creates good quality jobs in the right quantities,” she said.
Mrs Afewu described current wage levels as inadequate, pointing to the national daily minimum wage of GHS21.78 and the minimum pay under the Single Spine Salary Structure of GHS809 per month as insufficient to meet basic living costs.
She said many workers are struggling to afford essentials such as food, rent, utilities, and clothing, despite being employed full-time.
On pensions, she expressed concern over low coverage and wide disparities in payments, noting that some retirees receive as little as GHS400 monthly while others earn significantly higher amounts.
She called for comprehensive pension reform and a unified system to ensure fairness and reduce pressure on the national budget.
Mrs Afewu also raised concerns about labour rights, citing alleged victimisation of union members, politically motivated transfers, outsourcing practices that weaken job security, and abuse of redundancy procedures.
She further criticised increasing political influence in public sector employment decisions, warning that it undermines professionalism and fairness.
While commending government for revoking L.I. 2462 on mining in forest reserves, she warned that illegal mining continues to threaten water bodies and forests.
She called for urgent labour law reforms to strengthen protections, including requiring employers to provide valid reasons before terminating employment.
In response, James Gunu commended workers across the two regions for their contribution to national development.
He said May Day should serve both as a celebration and a moment of reflection on building inclusive growth.
Mr Gunu highlighted government initiatives such as the 24-hour economy policy and skills development programmes aimed at expanding job opportunities and improving productivity.
He urged workers to remain disciplined and innovative, while calling on employers to promote fairness and cooperation to sustain industrial peace and economic progress.
Minority Calls for Renegotiation of 2027–2028 Public Sector Salary Agreement
The Minority in Parliament is demanding an urgent reopening of negotiations on the 2027–2028 public sector salary agreement, arguing that...
