May Day/Workers Day which is celebrated on the 1st May every year, serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by workers and labourers worldwide, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to various industries.
Eastern Region held this special occasion under the auspices of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), to praise and thank workers in the region for their immense contribution to the development of the region and the nation as a whole.
The Eastern Regional head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Madam Phyllis Agyemang, on behalf of workers, pleaded to the government to put logical measures in place to stabilize the depreciating cedi against foreign currencies.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the TUC Secretary General during the regional celebration of May Day held at Koforidua Jubilee Park, Madam Phyllis Agyemang noted that the depreciation of the Ghana cedi over the past eight years has led to a decline in living standards for Ghanaians, particularly workers.
She noted the impact of over-reliance on imported goods, whose prices are directly affected by the exchange rate of the cedi.
She said that, 2024 May Day celebration was been done at a time when Ghanaian workers and their families are scuffling with high cost of living and inflation of over 25 percent. She added that, the exchange rate of the cedi is now almost GH?14 to one US dollar compared to about GH?4 in 2016. That means workers who earned a monthly salary of 1,000 cedis in 2016 took home the equivalent of about US$250. Today, 1,000 cedis is only US$71. The depreciation of the Ghana Cedi at this monumental scale.”
The TUC Regional head again talked concerns about injuries, low wages, and deaths in workplaces, as well as inadequate pensions for pensioners. She highlighted the need for organized labor to continue working hand-in-hand to protect the interests of workers.
Madam Phyllis Agyemang called on the government to pay attention to delays in the payment of pension contributions which includes arrears owed to the public sector second-tier schemes and the failure to pay first-tier pension contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). She advised the government to approve the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 concerning violence and harassment at work and to address the issue of power outages, known as “Dumsor,” which has resurfaced in the country.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, express appreciation and gratitude all gallant workers for their commitment, sacrifice, selflessness and zeal in ensuring sustained growth of the country. He added that, the state is indebted workers, as well as the citizenry, for the hard work and positive impact made by workers (Workers).
The Eastern Regional Minister noted that, the theme for this year’s May Day celebration which was “Election 2024: The Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development”, was very appropriate and timely since Ghana prepares for Elections, which he said would represent a key moment for citizens to use their voting power to reflect and select leaders to act for their country into the future. Undeniably, this he said, could only be possible in an atmosphere of peace, stability, freedom, tolerance and respect for one another. He advised that, all should be mindful that in difficult times, there is the tendency for some people, who for selfish interest, would take undue advantage of the situation in order to derail the hard-won reputation and recognition of the country as a beacon of democracy and stability in the sub-region, Africa and even the world. He advised that, for collective efforts to safeguard the rights of voters, ensure electoral integrity, and foster inclusive participation.
Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong reassured workers that in his capacity as Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), he would ensure that the Police work collaboratively with the other security agencies and stakeholders for peace to prevail before, during and after the 2024 December polls.
Some exemplary workers were honored for their contribution to the country’s development.
The celebration was attended by all workers under the TUC in the Eastern Region.