The Minority Caucus Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has marked May Day with a critique on the government, accusing the administration of “stripping away workers’ rights” through mass dismissals and undermining collective bargaining structures.
In a statement titled Defending Workers’ Rights and Dignity, the Ranking Member, Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, warned that while the day is meant to honour the contributions of Ghanaian workers, this year’s celebration is marred by what she described as an “onslaught against decent jobs.”
“Today, unfortunately, the progress we have made as a nation is being undermined by the current administration’s mass termination of appointments,” she said.
“Workers’ rights are being stripped away before our eyes.”
Nkansah-Boadu did not mince words in accusing the government of silencing organised labour.
“CSOs and labour unions are not protesting because some leaders of these unions have been appointed into the executive arm of government,” she alleged, pointing to what she sees as compromised leadership within the labour front.
She also slammed the government over the recent minimum wage increase, calling it a betrayal of the extensive stakeholder consultations that preceded it.
“The increase in the minimum wage has unsurprisingly fallen far short of expectations since the government purposely ambushed negotiations,” she stated.
The statement urges workers and unions to break their silence.
“Let the spirit of solidarity resonate throughout our communities today. We urge all workers and unions to share our fight and spread our message to protect decent jobs and the dignity of workers.”
The Minority’s message aligns itself with the International Trade Union Confederation’s 2025 theme: “Industrialisation, Trade, and Decent Work for Social Justice.”
Mrs Nkansah-Boadu’s May Day address ends with a defiant call for resistance.
“It is imperative that the government charts a different path from what is being witnessed. It is also important for us to stand up and resist the Mahama-led administration’s attacks on Ghanaian workers.”
“Ayekoo to all workers,” she added, “but the fight for justice is far from over.”
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