We Won't Allow Anybody To Jeopardize The Peace - Veep

Vice President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated government’s pledge to uphold the rule of law in the country saying the peace and stability Ghana enjoys presently is more priceless than all the oil, gold, cocoa or other resources Ghana possess, and vowed that the Mills' administration will not allow anybody to jeopardize the tranquility currently permeating the country.

He was addressing this year’s National May Day Celebration in Accra on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of President John Evans Atta Mills, who addressed a similar ceremony in Tamale, the Vice President said government will successfully migrate all public sector workers unto the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), in September this year.

John Mahama noted that 33 institutions, representing 66 percent of the total public sector workers are currently enjoying salaries under the new and improved salary structure with the number expected to increase to 90 per cent in June, 2011.

According to him, one of the challenges facing the implementation of the new pay policy was that since it (policy) constituted the largest expenditure demands on the budget, given the economic deficit it inherited from the NPP it was going to be a difficult policy to implement.

“We have cause to commend ourselves; prudent management of the economy has brought the deficit substantially under control and made the economy better able to absorb the new policy,” he said.

Whiles commending organized labour for the good faith shown so far in the implementation of the SSSS, the Vice President hoped other workers who are yet to be migrated unto the new pay policy, will show similar faith till the end of the process.

John Mahama regretted the low productivity which he said “remains embarrassingly low in the sub-region” and challenged workers to be committed towards increased productivity.

He, however, indicated government’s resolve to implement a National Social Protection Strategy, including the Livelihood Empowerment Programme (LEAP), School Feeding, Free Maternal HealthCare, Capitation Grant, Elimination of Schools Under Trees, all aimed at strengthening the social safety net and protect the deprived and vulnerable people in the country.