The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has announced that it will not participate at the leadership level in this year’s May Day celebration, citing unresolved concerns over inclusiveness and collective ownership within Ghana’s labour movement.

In a press statement signed by Secretary General Abraham Koomson, the GFL explained that its decision was guided by principle and by the need to protect the dignity of Organised Labour.

May Day, observed globally as a historic occasion for workers, has traditionally served as a platform for solidarity and reflection. However, disagreements over the structure of the 2026 programme have fractured unity among Ghana’s labour centres.

GFL considers partial withdrawal from May Day celebration over inclusivity concerns

GFL noted that at a meeting on April 23, 2026, labour centres agreed that the Chairman of FORUM would deliver the Welcome Address, while the Trades Union Congress (TUC) would deliver the principal May Day speech.

However, in a subsequent meeting on April 27, 2026, the TUC leadership rejected the arrangement, a move the GFL says undermined collective decision-making.

“The rejection of the agreed programme by the TUC Steering Committee effectively reinforced the absence of a mutually sustained and collectively endorsed May Day celebration,” part of the statement read.

The GFL stated categorically that May Day should not be treated as the exclusive platform of any single labour centre, given Ghana’s plural labour regime under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

“At a time when workers face mounting economic pressures, unity within Organised Labour is not optional, it is essential...May Day must remain a platform for all workers, reflecting unity, shared responsibility, and collective voice,” the statement added.

GFL urged members to uphold discipline, defend unity within the labour movement, and continue to call for accountable, inclusive, and collective leadership in the face of the numerous economic challenges confronting Ghanaian workers.

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