NPP continuing with NDC policies-TUC Boss

Ghana’s Labour Union has criticized the lack of clear-cut government policies to address the plight of Ghanaian workers. It has also expressed concern about government’s failure to pay workers economic wages, provide good working conditions, decent shelter, affordable utilities and mass transportation to improve the generally poor plight of workers. According to the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Kwesi Adu Amankwah, this year’s theme, “decent work and labor standards - necessary condition for national development” is most appropriate because Ghanaian workers continue to struggle with basic needs.

Mr. Adu Amankwah told workers who had converged at the Ho stadium in the Volta Region to mark this year’s May Day celebration that the primary goal of development should be geared towards improving the conditions of the people.

He regretted that instead of introducing policies to improve the socio-economic conditions of Ghanaians the NPP government is continuing with policies of the NDC regime, which run down the economy. The celebration comes barely a week after the tripartite committee fixed the daily minimum wage at 7,150 cedis (90 cents).

Most workers have described the minimum wage as inadequate considering the increasing cost of living and impending tariff increases in utility services. President J. A. Kufuor who delivered the keynote address admonished Ghanaian workers to learn from their Singaporean counterparts by being dedicated to their jobs.

Describing Singapore as a marvelous country, the President said his tour of that country in March this year, revealed that the citizens were united in their efforts to sustain their successful country. He said the demands of workers for better conditions of service will be met only if labour commits itself to increased productivity and improved work ethic.

Meanwhile, the ruling New Patriotic Party has asked Ghanaian workers to put in more effort to raise the output per work hour in order to uplift national productivity. This is to enhance the country’s quest towards achieving greater economic growth.

In a solidarity message to Ghanaian workers to mark May Day, the General Secretary of the party, Dan Botwe noted that adequate measures are being put in place by government to improve the economy for the benefit of the people. He said the NPP government is very much aware of the plight of workers in this country and will do all within its power to make life bearable.

For its part, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has advised workers to continue to use consultation and constructive debate in their fight for better conditions of service and privileges.

In a solidarity message to workers in commemoration of May Day, the NDC urged workers to remain united and maintain a strong front in their fight for their rights. It noted that the fight for workers rights must be in consonance with developments across the world, recognising that peace and development can be attained by giving back to workers their due share of wealth.