Accra, May 1, GNA - Thousands of placard carrying workers took part in a workers' rally at the country's independence square to mark May Day with messages that mainly called on Government and captains of industries to improve on their working conditions.

As early as 0800 hours, bus loads of workers from all corners of the Greater Accra region arrived at the ground and took their positions clad in tee shirts that match with their organisations' colours. But dominant colour was white.

Not even the early morning heat could dampen the enthusiasm of the workers as they danced feverishly to brass band music. The combined band of the Ghana Police Service and the Prison Service were on hand to provide music for the march past. Ministers, Parliamentarians, members of the Diplomatic Corps and a cross section of the public took their seats and waited patiently for the President John Evans Atta Mills, who was the guest of honour to arrive.

They were not to wait for long. First to arrive was Vice-President John Dramani Mahama and then the President dressed in a white short-sleeve with a cap to match was cheered on by the crowd as he took his position on the dais.

Then was the exchange of pleasantries and the serious speeches. Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress did not mince words in his address, reminding the President of the huge inequalities in income levels and the need to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor to enable the country's fledgling democracy to work. He asked government to pursue pro-poor policy measures such as the Livelihood Empowerment Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, the National Youth Employment Programme and the Housing Project in some parts of the country should be sustained to improve living standards. In his reply, President Mills said progress had been made on discussions on the Single Spine pay structure, and Government was studying a report submitted by a Technical Team on the pay policy for further action. Also, Government is providing funds and logistics to the Fair Wages Salaries Commission to execute its mandate, in anticipation of the Single Spine pay structure.

"Let me assure you that that the Single Spine Pay Policy remains high on our agenda," President Mills said, as he addressed a parade of Ghanaian workers at the Independence Square, in Accra, on the occasion of this year's celebration of May Day. The high point of the Day was the march past in which the workers groups, which included the Public Services Workers Union, Public Utility Workers Union, Communications Workers Union, Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, Civil Servants Association among others, filed past the dais with the President Atta Mills taking the salute. The workers carried placards most of which drew attention of government to the poor working conditions, especially low salary levels, high utility bills and high taxes. Some of the placards read: "Our living conditions: the value is the same" and "Single-spine salary structure must be fair and equitable." The celebration was observed on the theme: "Improved Standard of Living through Decent Work and Pre-requisite for Sustaining Democratic Governance." 01 May 09