Minimum wage comes out today

The final decision on a new minimum wage would be made today (Thursday), Cecilia Bannerman, Minister of Manpower Development and Employment announced.

She said the government understood the present difficulties and anxiety workers were going through due to the increase in fuel prices and would, therefore, support a fair and acceptable minimum wage.

Mrs Bannerman gave this assurance on Wednesday when unionised workers of the Tema District Council of Labour embarked on a three-hour demonstration at Tema. They then proceeded to Accra to present a petition to the Sector Minister.

"We understand the circumstances and anxieties of the people so we will do everything possible to ensure that a fair deal come up at the meeting," she said. The workers said the determination of a minimum wage had delayed and wanted the Committee to work fast.

About 300 workers, most of whom were clad in red clothes and wore red bands around their heads and wrists, drummed, sang and danced as they waved placards with various inscriptions.