End-of-Service Benefit wasn't abolished - NDC

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday said the End of Service Benefit (ESB) was not abolished but frozen based on common understanding between the Tripartite Committee.

"It was expected that any time the economy improved, then the payment could be restored. No law was passed to abolish it and it does not demand any parliamentary approval for restoration," it said in a statement by Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, General Secretary of NDC, in reaction to the President's statement on labour's demand for restoration of ESB.

He said the party believed that the restoration of ESB should be based on the improvement of the economy and the willingness of the government to do so.

Alhaji Yahaya noted that recent pronouncements by President John Kufuor were "regrettable and unfortunate" and urged the government to rather respond to workers' demand instead of diverting attention by blaming the NDC.

He said the TUC did not confront the former government on the ESB because of the mature manner the NDC handled labour issues, which enabled a peaceful atmosphere to prevail in the country.

On the payment of ex-gratia awards to ministers of the former government, Alhaji Yahaya noted the current government has also stated in the appointment letters of all its appointees they were entitled to ex-gratia award at the end of their term.

"It surely amazes the NDC why the President is not bold enough to tell Ghanaians the truth, if he thinks that the payment of ex-gratia awards to former government appointees is wrong."

Alhaji Yahaya said there was no relationship between the payment of ex-gratia awards to the payment of ESB to workers. The NDC reminded the government of its electoral promise to restore ESB, which workers accepted and voted for.

"After having ridden on the back of workers to victory he cannot afford to turn his back on them."