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0 The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has stated that Ghanaian workers cannot participate in any national reset while wages remain low and working conditions continue to deteriorate.
Speaking at the May Day celebration at Black Star Square in Accra, the Chairman of TUC Bernard Owusu, emphasised the urgent need for improvement in workers’ remuneration and welfare, pointing out that the wage situation has worsened since the president last held office.
“Our pay and working conditions are deteriorating. The wage situation in Ghana has worsened since you were last in government,” Mr Owusu lamented.
He explained that wages are now far lower compared to the rising cost of living, with inflation over the past four years leading to a significant decline in real wages. Wage inequality, he added, has increased across both the public and private sectors.
“The national pension system isn’t working for workers. We are confronted with low pensions and inequalities in pensions. The minimum monthly pension is GH¢396.58, while the highest is GH¢21,792.73. This is not the outcome workers envisaged under the three-tier workers’ scheme,” he complained.
Mr Owusu also raised concerns about workers’ rights, particularly the right to form or join trade unions. He pointed out that many workers who attempt to exercise this right are threatened with dismissal.
“Our brothers from Asogli are still at home. We ask that the president bring our brothers back to work,” he appealed.
The TUC chairman expressed concern over recent mass terminations in the public sector, recalling that similar actions under the previous administration led to painful consequences for many workers.
“As we gather under a government committed to resetting governance and restoring hope, it is only fitting that we chart a new course—one that refrains from repeating past mistakes,” he stated.
He called for amnesty for all public sector workers affected by recent terminations and emphasised that a genuine reset must focus on fairness, inclusion, and protection for workers.
“A genuine reset must be marked by passion, inclusion, and fairness,” Mr Owusu said.
Mr Owusu concluded by urging President Mahama to adopt a living wage, unify public sector pay and pension systems to reduce inequality, and establish an independent emoluments commission.
He also called for a complete overhaul of the Labour Act to ensure better protection for workers.
