Addressing journalists at a press conference in Accra, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah expressed disappointment with the government’s intentions, asserting that the evidence points to ongoing progress at ECG.

He also highlighted the revival of Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) as part of recent gains in the power sector.

According to Mr. Ansah, unions representing workers at both ECG and NEDCO will continue to resist any move toward privatization.

“We will continue to resist any plans by government to privatize ECG and NEDCO,” he said, stressing that proposed changes could undermine service delivery and jeopardise workers’ rights.

The call from the TUC comes amid ongoing public debate over the future of Ghana’s electricity distribution landscape.

For years, successive governments have considered restructuring the power sector to improve efficiency, reliability and financial performance.

Proponents of privatization have argued it can attract investment, enhance operational efficiency and reduce fiscal burdens, while critics believe that selling stakes in state-owned utilities could lead to job losses, higher tariffs and reduced accountability.

However, TUC has stated that the ECG, which has struggled with financial shortfalls, high technical and commercial losses, and debt challenges in the past, has recently recorded some improvement in collections and operations.

NEDCO, which distributes electricity in parts of the Northern sector, was previously moribund and has seen renewed attention and activity in recent months, a development Mr. Ansah noted as a positive sign that internal reforms can yield results.

“Evidence shows ECG is improving and NEDCO has been revived,” he told pressmen, urging the government to redirect its focus toward strengthening these institutions rather than privatizing them.

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The agreement follows meetings held on December 11 and 30, 2025, where both institutions deliberated on PURC’s announcement of the new MYTO, which takes effect on January 1, 2026.

In a joint statement, the TUC and PURC said discussions centred on the implications of the tariff adjustments for the cost of living, electricity supply stability, and investment in the power and water sectors.

The PURC emphasised that reversing the tariff decision could compromise its independence and affect the stability of the energy and water sectors, as well as the broader economy. However, the Commission acknowledged the concerns raised by the TUC and pledged to consider them during the next tariff review.

The TUC stated it will continue monitoring the effects of the tariff adjustments on salaries and wages, with findings guiding future engagement with government on wage levels and their impact on workers’ cost of living.

Both parties highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue to ensure tariff decisions balance affordability, electricity stability, water access, and economic growth for Ghanaian workers.

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In a joint statement, the two institutions acknowledged rising anxieties around utility pricing, particularly its impact on workers and households, but emphasized that no unilateral decisions have been made outside the established regulatory framework.

The PURC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the tariff-setting process, noting that labour unions remain key stakeholders whose views are being considered in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate.

The TUC, meanwhile, confirmed it has been actively engaging the PURC to ensure that workers’ interests are protected, especially as cost-of-living pressures remain high.

Both institutions stressed that tariff adjustments are guided by law and evidence-based assessments, taking into account production costs, the sustainability of utility service providers, and the need to maintain a reliable power supply to support economic growth.

The joint statement further urged the public to rely on official communications and avoid misinformation, assuring that any final decisions would be shared clearly and responsibly.

The TUC and PURC reiterated their commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and safeguarding the public interest, pledging to continue engagements that balance affordability with the long-term stability of Ghana’s power sector.

Click here for full statement

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, December 4, Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, argued that the cumulative tariff hikes wipe out the hard-won 9% wage increase and effectively subject workers to a financial deficit.

Mr. Ansah highlighted the severe disconnect between the recently negotiated wage increase and the immediate hike in utility costs.

The Tripartite Committee, comprising government, employers, and organised labour, had settled on a 9% increase in the minimum wage and base pay for Ghanaian workers for the 2026 fiscal year.

However, barely two to three weeks after that agreement, the government announced utility tariff adjustments: 9% for electricity and an increase of over 15% for water.

Mr. Ansah used sharp financial data to illustrate the TUC’s outrage:

“Just a few weeks ago, the Tripartite Committee came up with a percentage of 9% as base pay and the minimum wage for Ghanaian workers. And just after 2-3 weeks, the government decides to slap us with an increase of 9% in the electricity and 15% plus in the water.”

He calculated the crippling effect of the combined tariff increases on workers’ household budgets, arguing that the government is essentially nullifying the new wage and creating a negative real income:

“Because you cannot give us 9% and also come back with the tariff of 9% and 15%, which is about 24%. This means that you are giving, taking your 9% and also giving us a negative 15%. And we think that workers cannot accept that. That’s why TUC is saying that this increase is unacceptable and the government must come again.”

TUC Demands Total Withdrawal or Renegotiation

The TUC Secretary General stated that workers view the move as being highly detrimental to their economic welfare and stressed that the union’s primary demand is the complete reversal of the utility hikes, not just a salary top-up.

“As for the two options that we stated in our statement, we want to consider the complete withdrawal of the tariff increases. We are not even interested in the top up of the salary.”

However, if the government refuses to withdraw the tariff hikes, the TUC insists that the entire base pay and minimum wage structure must be immediately renegotiated to compensate for the sudden, drastic increase in the cost of living.

“But if the government thinks that it cannot withdraw, then there’s a need for the government to renegotiate the 9%. Because you cannot give somebody 9 cedis and ask them to go and pay 24 cedis.”

The TUC’s firm stance highlights the growing pressure on household incomes due to inflation and rising costs of essential services, placing the government under intense pressure to justify the immediate need for the tariff hikes despite the recent wage negotiations.

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The union says it will not accept the hikes unless government returns to renegotiate the 9% wage adjustment for 2026. Without that, the TUC warns it will mobilise workers across the country to resist what it calls unfair and burdensome increases.

In a statement signed by Secretary-General Joshua Ansah on Wednesday, December 3, the TUC declared:

“Workers cannot accept these increases unless the government comes back to the negotiating table to top up the wage increase for 2026. Anything short of that, the TUC will mobilise workers to resist the implementation of these insensitive increases in utility prices.”

The union described the tariff adjustments as an unpleasant “New Year’s gift,” noting that they follow closely after the recently approved 9% increase in the national minimum wage and base pay.

It argued that the new utility prices will wipe out the already-contested wage increment, pointing out that workers have rejected the 9% raise as inadequate amid rising living costs.

The TUC also recalled that electricity tariffs went up by more than 18% in 2025, despite a 10% wage increase that year.

According to the union, the new tariff hikes reflect “government’s insensitivity” to the financial strain facing workers and ordinary households, effectively cancelling out any expected relief from the 2026 wage adjustment.

The TUC has scheduled a press conference for Monday, December 8, 2025, to announce its next line of action in response to what it describes as “obnoxious” utility price increases.

The PURC announced the adjustments on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as part of its multi-year tariff review for 2026 to 2030. Under the new structure, electricity tariffs will rise by 9.86% across all categories, while water tariffs will go up by 15.92% over the same period.

The Commission says the increases are necessary to meet the investment needs of utilities, maintain efficiency, and protect consumer interests.

The Deputy Secretary-General of TUC, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, revealed this in an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, following TUC’s fact-finding mission in mining-prone areas and water treatment plants in the country.

Dr. Otoo said the meeting will focus on practical and independent strategies led by the union, rather than relying solely on broader Organised Labour initiatives.

He indicated that the approach would differ from the planned industrial action by Organised Labour last year, which was suspended after assurances from the government.

“The structures of the TUC will meet in the coming weeks to decide on measures we must take as TUC, in collaboration with the government, to end illegal mining,” he explained.

Dr. Otoo explained that during the inspection, the team witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and environment.

He expressed disappointment over the government’s repeated failure to follow through on its commitments to tackle the menace.

“Those commitments were made in writing. We received a letter from the President himself on that day. So, if the new government came in with all the euphoria and promise, we expect continuity in implementing those commitments,” Dr. Otoo emphasized.

Source: Adomonline

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Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, has called for the immediate revocation of mining licenses held by politically exposed individuals involved in galamsey operations.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr Otoo revealed that some politically connected figures from both the governing and opposition parties are deeply involved in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, and are profiting from the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forests.

He cited specific cases uncovered during a TUC fact-finding mission to assess the impact of galamsey on water treatment plants in parts of the Central and Eastern Regions.

“In Anum Apapam, we were told, somebody called Robert Lamptey, who has a license for small-scale mining in Anum Apapam and its environs, where he has a concession.

“What he does is that if I want to mine and acquire a land, I go and see him, and he covers me with his license, and I pay money to him. I pay about GH¢70,000 to him. And then every week, whatever I make from that galamsey activity, I give him about 30% of it,” Dr Otoo disclosed.

According to him, the problem extends beyond partisan lines, as politicians from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been implicated in the illicit mining trade.

“That Robert Lamptey is an NPP person who, since after the NPP lost the election, is now in collaboration with Chairman BB, who is the NDC chairman for Akwatia, who is now actively holding the license and doing the mining,” Dr Otoo revealed.

He stressed that the activities of such individuals are not only illegal but are contributing significantly to the pollution of the Ayensu River and the destruction of the Ayensu Forest, which are vital ecological and water resources.

“These individuals—somebody must revoke their license because they are mining and actually working with people mining on the Ayensu River and in the Ayensu Forest,” he urged.

The TUC’s concern follows growing fears that Ghana could soon face a nationwide water shortage if illegal mining continues unchecked.

The country’s largest labour union recently conducted a fact-finding mission to evaluate the condition of key water treatment plants in Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem, where they discovered the devastating effects of polluted water sources caused by galamsey operations.

Dr Otoo’s revelations add a political dimension to Ghana’s escalating environmental crisis, raising serious questions about accountability and the enforcement of mining laws.

His call for the withdrawal of licenses from politically connected operators highlights the TUC’s stance that the fight against galamsey cannot succeed without decisive action against those abusing their political influence for personal gain.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr. Otoo said the government has not kept its part of the bargain following an agreement reached after the aborted strike action in 2024.

“In 2025, you will agree that even with that aborted strike action in 2024, we agreed on a number of things with government. But it is now clear to everybody that those things we agreed on, government did not keep its part of the bargain,” he stated.

He warned that the situation has worsened, with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, spiralling out of control despite repeated assurances from authorities.

Dr. Otoo said while issues like illegal mining might not appear central to the everyday concerns of workers, such as wages and salaries, the growing environmental crisis poses a grave threat to all citizens.

“If it’s galamsey, there are some people who may think that it is far removed from them, even though that might be a myopic view, but it is what it is,” he noted.

He explained that unions are traditionally organised around bread-and-butter issues like pay and working conditions, which makes it difficult to sustain mass mobilisation around issues like illegal mining.

“So the point I’m making is that if it is not a core issue, like wages and salaries for which unions are trained and for which unions actually were established to address, it is always difficult to maintain unity around those issues,” Dr. Otoo said.

The TUC’s concern follows weeks of warnings that Ghana risks a major water crisis if government fails to take decisive action against galamsey operations polluting major rivers and threatening water treatment systems across the country.

The union raised the alarm during a recent fact-finding mission to assess the condition of water treatment plants in Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem in the Central and Eastern Regions.

Dr. Otoo’s comments underscore growing frustration within the labour front over government’s inaction despite multiple promises to clamp down on illegal mining, a menace that continues to destroy farmlands, forests, and vital water bodies.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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The visit forms part of a broader fact-finding mission to assess the impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on major water treatment plants in Kwanyako, Kyebi, and Akyem Oda.

During the inspection, TUC Secretary-General, Joshua Ansah, described the situation as “deeply troubling,” warning that Ghana could face a nationwide water shortage if the government does not act swiftly.

“It’s really sad. What we have heard and seen with our own eyes this morning is alarming. If we don’t take immediate action, it’s going to be very difficult. They’ve had to install a new pump at the surface just to draw a little water for use. If urgent steps are not taken, the entire plant could shut down, and water will become a scarce commodity for Ghanaians,” he said.

Mr. Ansah urged President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency to tackle the galamsey menace, noting that the TUC may be forced to take “a drastic decision” if the situation persists.

“Today has dampened our spirit, but it has also strengthened our resolve. We will engage the government to take pragmatic measures to end galamsey once and for all. Whatever means it takes to curb this menace, we will demand it. A state of emergency is both urgent and necessary,” he stated.

The TUC leadership is expected to continue its nationwide inspections before meeting to decide on further actions.

“For now, we are sounding a strong caution and urging the President to take immediate, decisive action. Galamsey must stop, and it must stop now,” Mr. Ansah emphasized.

Source: Adomonline

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The union warns that the unsustainable debt burden is draining national resources and depriving citizens of essential infrastructure and social services.

Presenting a petition to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra on Friday, August 29, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah cautioned that workers will not remain idle if the government fails to act.

“If nothing is done about our debt, which is denying us better schools, hospitals, and other amenities, Ghanaians will be forced to take action,” he said, adding that the union may be compelled to adopt “drastic measures.”

Mr. Ansah explained that the petition also highlights concerns of unions across Africa regarding the impact of debt on national development.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Albert Kan-Dapaah Jnr, Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General, assured the TUC that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

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Addressing the 14th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU) in Winneba, Mr. Ansah emphasized that disunity among workers weakens their ability to demand their rights and exposes them to exploitation.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, brothers and sisters, it is more crucial than ever that we stand together, united in our pursuit of fair wages, decent working conditions, and social protection for all,” he said.

Mr. Ansah reaffirmed the TUC’s unwavering support for the MDU in its ongoing efforts to promote the welfare and rights of its members.

The conference also marked a turning point for the union, officially ending a five-year internal leadership dispute that had severely disrupted the MDU’s operations and stalled important initiatives.

With the matter resolved, delegates gathered in Winneba are now expected to elect new leaders to guide the union forward and restore its effectiveness.

Source: AdomOnline

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According to Kyei Effah Kwabena, TEWU-GH has no legal grounds to go on strike because they lack a bargaining certificate and are not recognized by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) as a separate union.

“If they believe they’ve been treated unfairly, they should take it to court. Striking is not the solution. It’s someone’s personal interest driving all this,” he stated.

He further suggested that the government should intervene to stop the impunity, saying “they should deduct from their salaries for the number of days they refuse to work. That will serve them right.”

The strike by the Tertiary Education Workers Union, Ghana (TEWU-GH) began after GTEC denied them representation on university governing councils, citing that only TEWU-TUC, which holds the official bargaining certificate, has the legal right to represent non-teaching staff.

Chairman of TEWU-TUC at KsTU, John Esiabah believes TEWU-GH’s strike holds no weight.

He emphasized that unless they amend the union constitution and secure a bargaining certificate, they cannot legally demand council representation.

“They should go and look for a bargaining certificate. Then let us do a constitutional amendment that will allow them to go on council without any problem,” he said.

Meanwhile, JoyNews checks at KNUST revealed the industrial action by TEWU-GH has limited impact. The campus remains clean and services fully operational, indicating not all university branches support the TEWU-GH action.

TEWU-TUC urges TEWU-GH to calm down, reunite with the mother union, and work together in peace to resolve the issues and move forward.

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.

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In a statement, the TUC criticized the directive, which primarily affects teachers, nurses, and other professionals who have spent years pursuing education and struggling to secure employment.

TUC warned that the termination of appointments could have devastating effects on young Ghanaians and tarnish the country’s democratic reputation.

“The mass termination of employment of teachers, nurses, and others, who have been educated at great cost to their families and the nation and who may have stayed at home for years struggling to obtain employment, can be devastating for these young men and women,” portions of the statement read.

The TUC’s concerns follow a directive issued by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on February 10, 2025, instructing all government institutions to revoke appointments made after December 7, 2024.

The directive argued that the appointments were not in line with established good governance practices and principles, resulting in widespread job losses.

However, the TUC has urged the President to prevent the country from descending into what it described as a “partisan slippery hill.”

“This will be the greatest political settlement of the 4th Republic. It will ripple in eternity and reset the politics of Ghana,” the statement added.

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In a statement signed by Secretary General Joshua Ansah, the TUC described the incidents as unwarranted and called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action.

The union criticised the Ghana Police Service for failing to prevent these acts of vandalism, which it said occurred in the presence of police personnel.

“These acts of vandalism have stained an otherwise peaceful election and the beautiful transfer of political power,” the statement read.

They added that the damage caused will require resources that could have been directed toward addressing economic challenges.

The TUC urged the President to empower the police to arrest and prosecute perpetrators and called on Ghanaians to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy.

The union further appealed to Ghanaians to refrain from such activities, emphasising that such behaviours undermine the country’s progress and tarnish its image following the peaceful transition of power on January 7, 2025.

Read the statement below:

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The group’s leadership announced the suspension on Wednesday, October 9, just a day before the planned strike.

The strike had garnered broad support from various sectors, with many Ghanaians backing Organised Labour’s demand for tougher measures to curb the environmental and social harm caused by galamsey.

However, the decision to cancel the strike has sparked criticism, with some accusing the leadership of yielding to external pressure and compromising the fight against illegal mining.

In response to the backlash, Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Bernard Owusu, explained that the decision was a strategic one.

He emphasized that it was not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity to give the government time to address their concerns.

Mr Owusu assured the public that if the government fails to act, Organised Labour would not hesitate to reinstate the strike or consider other forms of protest.

“We presented our demands, and the government has made some concessions. As responsible citizens, it makes sense to reassess our position since the government has partially addressed our concerns. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if necessary, we are prepared to take further action,” he stated.

Mr Owusu dismissed any sense of disappointment, arguing that Organised Labour’s decision should be applauded for its prudence and strategic foresight.

Source: Adomonline

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The PPP is urging the government to immediately ban all forms of illegal mining, especially those affecting water bodies, forest reserves, and other areas in the country.

In a statement on October 6, the PPP described galamsey as the “most existential threat” to Ghana, accusing illegal miners of engaging in “biological warfare” against the nation by using hazardous chemicals like mercury.

The party pledged to sign the TUC’s Anti-Galamsey Declaration unconditionally and praised the TUC for standing up against what they termed as “state-capture and state-sponsored terrorism.”

The PPP also criticized President Akufo-Addo for failing to address the galamsey menace during his tenure and called for decisive leadership.

They highlighted its 10-Point Agenda, which includes free compulsory education and job creation, as a solution to provide alternatives for unemployed youth involved in galamsey.

The PPP reiterated its readiness to govern with integrity and discipline to bring peace and prosperity to Ghana.

Read the statement below:

Source: Adomonline

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The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the ongoing struggle for equal pay for work of equal value, with a particular focus on closing the gender pay gap that disproportionately affects women worldwide.

In a statement released to mark the occasion, the TUC highlighted the deep-rooted societal structures that continue to fuel wage disparities and limit employment opportunities for women in Ghana.

According to the union, these challenges include occupational segregation and a lack of investment in women’s education, which have kept many women from leadership roles and consigned them to low-paying jobs.

The TUC also pointed to the “motherhood penalty,” noting that women with childbearing responsibilities often face additional barriers to career advancement and are subjected to greater scrutiny in the workplace.

As part of its demands, the TUC is urging the government to ratify International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 190 and 183, which address violence and harassment in the workplace and provide maternity protection, respectively.

The union also called for the swift implementation of the recently passed Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to ensure equal access to opportunities and representation for women in all sectors.

Furthermore, the TUC has called for national legislation promoting pay transparency and penalizing discriminatory practices to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.

In its statement, the TUC celebrated the contributions of working women across Ghana, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting gender equity.

The union emphasized that Ghanaian society will thrive when all its members have equal opportunities, and it remains committed to advocating for policies that will help eliminate the gender pay gap.

As International Equal Pay Day is observed, the TUC urged all stakeholders to work towards a future where gender-based wage disparities are eradicated, ensuring that every woman in Ghana can achieve her full potential.

Before his election, Mr. Owusu served as the National Chairman of the General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU).

He succeeds Alex Opoku-Nyarko, whom he defeated by securing 347 votes in the election.

Deputy Secretary General Joshua Ansah has also been appointed as the substantive Secretary General, replacing Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah.

Below is the full results.

511 delegates

Chairman 510 reject 1
Bro. Bernard Owusu – 347
Bro. Alex Nyarko 163

DSG 2 Rejected
Bro. Kwabena Otto 222
Bro. Bernard Adjei 194
Bro. Frankline O. Ansah 93

Vice Chair (Women)
Sis. Salamatu Braimah 341
Sis. Vida Akuban 49
Sis. Georgina 107

Below is the full list of new officers

Newly elected national officers of TUC

Chairman – Bernard Owusu
Vice Chairperson – Ken Koduah
Vice Chairperson ( woman) – Salamatu Mahama Braimah
Secretary-General – Joshua Ansah
Deputy Secretary General – Kwabena Nyarko Otoo

Source: Adomonline

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In an interview on Channel One TV, Dr. Otoo described SSNIT’s approach as “lazy” and questioned why hotels like Kempinski are thriving while La Palm Royal Beach Hotel is struggling.

Dr. Otoo urged SSNIT to investigate the causes of the hotels’ underperformance and to manage pension funds more prudently.

He emphasized that, the hotels should not be sold and called for the implementation of measures to ensure their viability.

“We do not expect SSNIT to go back in any attempt to sell the four hotels to Rock City Hotel or any other investor. The process was a problem to us, the fact that it has been bought by a Minister of State. We thought that it could be legal, but we thought that it was not morally right. Those in government should not be the ones buying our assets.

“But if we all agree that those investments were not doing well, I think the proper thing to do is to investigate why they are not doing well. We know that Kempinski, and other hotels, big hotels and small medium-sized hotels are doing well,” he said.

Organized Labour had declared its intention to strike on Monday, July 15, 2024, but called off the strike after SSNIT terminated the sale process of its 60% stakes in the four hotels.

Organized Labour then directed its members to resume work and demanded proper engagement with the government, threatening further action if their demands are not met.

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The decision was unanimously reached at a Council meeting on May 23, 2024.

The strike follows the union’s decision to defer a planned strike on March 24, 2024, after the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations intervened.

The government, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the NIA management, had promised to negotiate and implement better working conditions for NIA staff.

However, the union in a statement on June 9, cited the government’s failure to demonstrate good faith in the negotiation process and failure to set timelines as mandated.

They also cited the government’s reluctance to grant institution-specific allowances, and non-implementation of an approved scheme of service for NIA staff.

The NIA staff insists that it will not return to work until the government and NIA management address their concerns and improve the dire economic and financial conditions faced by NIA staff.

Read the full statement below:

FINAL-NOTICE_DECLARATION-OF-INDEFINITE-STRIKE

Dr. Kwabena Nyarko-Otoo, the TUC’s Director of Research and Policy, emphasized the need for a more substantial presence on the board, expressing concern that the current four-member representation may lead to being outnumbered on pivotal issues.

Dr. Nyarko-Otoo conveyed this concern during an interview with Evans Mensah on Joy News’ PM Express, highlighting it as a significant request presented to President Akufo-Addo for consideration.

He emphasized that with increased representation, the TUC would have had a stronger voice against SSNIT’s decision to sell its 60% stake in four hotels to Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong.

Addressing criticism faced by the Union for its perceived inability to block the Trust’s decision, Dr. Nyarko-Otoo defended the TUC’s efforts, citing ongoing engagement with the President since 2017 on various issues related to SSNIT.

Moreover, he underscored the importance of granting the board the authority to appoint the Director-General of SSNIT, rather than the President.

However, Dr. Nyarko-Otoo acknowledged that such demands require time to materialize, considering the multiple interest groups making requests.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement for board members to swear an oath of secrecy, hindering transparency.

SSNIT recently announced its decision to sell a 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.

The Trust clarified that the selection process adhered strictly to the Public Procurement Act and emphasized transparency in the decision-making process.

The partnership aims to raise capital for further investments and enhance hotel management, according to SSNIT.

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According to the union, SSNIT was only managing the properties for citizens, therefore, they would not allow SSNIT to sell them to just anyone, especially a Minister of State.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, May 20, the Head of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, emphasized that SSNIT has breached several investment guidelines.

He assured that the union would persist in its efforts to halt the sale.

“We want the government to know that these funds are not government funds. These funds are pension funds and pensions are guided by Act 766. We have investment guidelines under Act 766 and clearly, these guidelines have not been followed. Government should be aware that we will not allow them to play ‘chaskele’ with our funds. Should they dare go ahead, it will be the mother of all strikes in Ghana,” he said.

Secretary-General of TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah, questioned the rationale behind the sale, particularly how SSNIT’s stake in the hotels is being handled.

He found it perplexing that the number of hotels in the sale was reduced from six to four and criticized the inconsistency with the original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“We find it extremely difficult to understand why SSNIT’s interest in six hotels will be packaged and sold as if all the hotels are in the same financial position. We find it difficult to understand why the original proposal of the sale of SSNIT’s interest in six hotels has been reduced to four.

“We hold the view that this renders the whole process null and void. We have observed that the proposed payment terms have varied from the original MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] based on the recommendations,” he added.

Dr. Baah also expressed dismay over the sale to a company owned by a Minister of State, insisting this was inappropriate.

He called for the immediate cancellation of the sale and urged the Minister responsible for pensions to direct SSNIT’s board of trustees to halt the process, warning of potential industrial action.

“We also find it difficult to understand why SSNIT’s interest in these hotels should be sold to a company owned by a Minister of State. We do not think this is right. We are calling on the Minister responsible for pensions to direct the board of trustees of SSNIT to cancel the process immediately otherwise, else we organised labour will advise ourselves,” he said.

On MAy 17, 2024, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the sale of six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Bryan Acheampong.

He claimed SSNIT is about to sell a 60% majority stake in six of its hotels to the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

Mr. Ablakwa argued that, the sale of SSNIT’s shares in the hotels lacks due process and violates procurement procedures and called for an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.

However, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has explained that Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among the bids received, meeting the criteria set out in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

According to SSNIT, the selection process was transparent and strictly adhered to the Public Procurement Act. The Trust emphasized that there was no favoritism involved in selecting Rock City Hotel Limited.

SSNIT explained that, the decision to partner with an investor was initiated to raise capital for further investments in their hotels and to enhance their management.

Mr. Ablakwa has criticized SSNIT’s explanation.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile, Dr Otoo emphasised the need for consistent and collaborative efforts to address the country’s deep-seated economic challenges.

Highlighting the pervasive nature of the economic crisis, Dr Otoo pointed out its impact on households and businesses.

“There is crisis in our households, there is a crisis at the production front, and businesses are not able to cope,” he stated.

He argued that the persistent economic challenges necessitate a structured and regular dialogue involving all stakeholders.

Dr Otoo proposed that a national economic forum should be held annually to dissect issues and find permanent solutions.

“At this point, we should be able to have a national economic forum not just once but every year,” he suggested.

This forum, he argued, would provide a platform for stakeholders to reach a consensus on critical issues such as the excessive importation of goods and the overly liberalised external payment regime.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to these problems, criticising the current sporadic efforts.

“We need some consistency in tackling the challenges, not this offbeat one-off attempts that we do,” Dr Otoo asserted.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing the ability of individuals to transfer large sums of dollars out of Ghana, which he believes is detrimental to the economy.

Dr Otoo urged unions and civil society organizations (CSOs) to increase pressure on economic managers to adopt more effective policies.

“When our opinions are not being heeded, as unions and CSOs we need to pile pressure on the managers of the economy, not just the current managers, but successive managers as well,” he declared.

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In the view of the Director of Labour, Research and Policy Institute at TUC, Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, Prof Adei has a morbid hatred for Ghanaian workers.

“He has a morbid hatred for Ghanaian workers and unions. His claim to fame in Ghana is what he did at GIMPA. He didn’t do those things with Togolese workers.

“There were drivers and security people he worked with when he was there. And the least thing these people expect from him is this kind of comment. Can any government or any employer come and tell us what they have been doing about productivity? Except to perpetually complain that the Ghanaian worker is unproductive without evidence?” he said in an interview on Accra-based Citi TV.

The former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) a few weeks ago highlighted that his research has revealed that Togolese workers demonstrate superior work quality compared to Ghanaians.

According to him, employers often prefer Togolese workers due to their higher productivity levels.

But Dr Otoo who has disagreed with his assertion has questioned if Prof Adei would prefer treatment in Togo or Ghana when faced with a health challenge.

“We recognise there’s a challenge about attitudes to work, we are doing something about it. If you want to help, this is not the way a professor should go. There’s a way that professors can help us address some of the challenges. But they should find a nicer way, collaborative way of saying it.

“When you google Prof Adei, you will not find a single research document he has put there, it’s all about condemnations and castigations of Ghanaian workers. What is the basis to say that a Ghanaian worker is not productive?” Dr Otoo queried.

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During an engagement with the Secretary-General and representatives of organized labour, Mr George Twum-Barimah-Adu outlined his vision and strategic policies which seek to establish a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive as a major catalyst for socioeconomic development.

In addressing issues on pension, housing and welfare, the Presidential aspirant emphasized the significance of his ‘E-Sika’ initiative, saying it would be the ultimate game changer to replace the controversial e-Levy.

The ‘E-Sika’ policy, he said, would be a scheme specifically to address the housing needs of the country, aimed at ensuring that every Ghanaian owns a house.

The scheme will be a savings, which one could use the housing component to either make a down payment towards purchasing a house or to secure a mortgage towards a house.

Mr George Twum-Barimah-Adu stressed the need for further dialogue between political office seekers and labour unions to build a stronger framework which addresses not only personal welfare but also a platform for robust business operations for the transformation we want for this country.

Speaking at a press conference, General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah said although the government has agreed to pay fifteen percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure, the TUC is determined to work together with other Labour Unions to end the unfairness in remuneration for public sector workers.

He said “The TUC and its affiliates have our eyes and minds firmly fixed on the outcome of the Single Spine Salary Review process currently underway. We are determined to work together with other organized Labour groups to end the unfairness in remunerations for public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure on one hand and Article 71 office holders and State Owned Enterprises on the other hand.”

He emphasised, “we will not allow the class system in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders to continue, it must end now.”

The TUC also reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF. Dr. Yaw Baah said it will worsen the prevailing harsh economic conditions.

He said corruption and failure to transform the structure of the economy are responsible for the country’s lack of progress.

Dr. Yaw Baah said “we have already communicated our objection to the decision to seek an IMF bailout for the umpteenth time. We are convinced that an IMF programme will not solve our problems. It will only impose hardships on Ghanaians”.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, made this known on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Monday.

According to Mr. Ansah, although Cabinet has decided to withdraw the controversial 15% VAT on electricity, the union has not been officially informed.

“The government has not informed us, neither have we met with them to officially tell us their intention to withdraw the tax. We only heard it on social media, and trust me, we will not rely on social media to make decisions.

So we are still preparing our demo until we get an official communique from government regarding the withdrawal,” he said.

The VAT on electricity has been criticised by Organised Labour, civil society, and sections of Ghanaian society.

Organised Labour has called for the withdrawal of the tax but government has explained that, the tax was aimed at helping its COVID-19 recovery programme.

But to Mr. Ansah, the VAT on electricity will exacerbate the socio-economic hardships of Ghanaians.

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According to him, the new tax is one too many for the overburdened Ghanaian worker and permitting it will next see the government taxing couples for the number of children they have.

Speaking at a crucial meeting on February 2 to discuss the next steps for labour after its ultimatum to the government to withdraw the tax expired at the end of the month, Dr. Yaw Baah said; “You see if we don’t fight this, tomorrow it will be on the water, the next day it may be on the number of children that we will have. This is our duty and we will do it and do well until we win this battle.”

Dr Baah said this was a clarion call, and all citizens must join the Trades Union and other 35 organised labour unions on the planned demonstration on February 13.

“We want to entreat all public and private sector workers, formal, informal that this is a national assignment and we do not want to antagonise any employer. Please you will have your peace when you release your workers to join this demonstration.’

“We want to do this not only for workers but for workers and their families and the entire population of this country. Everybody owes it a duty to join us including the employers themselves, market women AND all those in the informal economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, he added that early on this day, February 2, Ghana Publishers wrote to inform him about the imposition of VAT on books.  

TUC and 35 organised labour unions have announced that they will embark on a demonstration on February 13, to back their demands for the 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on electricity..

This follows the government’s failure to concede their demand to withdraw

The TUC and 35 other labour unions believe that they were too overburdened and therefore, this new VAT will worsen their flight.

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According to the TUC, the Labour Act permits all workers to join a union in order to safeguard their interests.

At a public forum in Accra, the Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, announced that the TUC has directed its legal team to go to court for interpretation.

“The TUC is taking legal action on a number of issues. The initial part of Act 651, which defines the scope of the law, restricts certain organizations. For instance, Immigration officers, Prison officers, and the Police are prohibited from joining or forming a union to protect their interests. * We have already instructed our lawyer to take this matter to court.”

Meanwhile, the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU) and two other university unions have given the government a two-week ultimatum to restore their withheld allowances.

The two other unions are the Senior Staff Association of the University of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).

Addressing a press conference in Accra, GAUA National President Dr. Beth Offei-Awuku said the non-payment of these allowances is putting undue hardship on their members.

The unions threatened to withdraw their services across all public universities in the country if the government fails to restore their allowances by October 15, 2023.

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According to him, the lack of proper reward systems and low wages at work places, especially in the government sector is a contributing factor to low productivity.

The minimum wage depicts the least amount of remuneration that an employer is required to pay wage earners for the work executed during a given period and country.

The national minimum wage of Ghana currently stands at ₵14.88, approximately $1.3. Undoubtedly this amount is woefully inadequate to cater for the expenses of an individual.

Speaking at a United Nations Global Impact’s National roundtable conference on the living wage, Dr. Baah explained that the surge in cheap labour and low-remunerated jobs is worrying and must be tackled to prevent dire consequences on the economy.

“Many of the jobs we have in Ghana are mainly cheap employment and that is not the way to promote productivity. If you do that continuously in the next 10 to 15 years, the population will hit about 50 billion.”

“The impact will be huge on the economy. It means we are in trouble”, he asserted.

The Executive Director of UN Global Impact Network Ghana, Tolu Lacroix emphasized the importance of employee welfare in achieving desired business growth.

“The backbone of every economy is the work. We look at nations like Germany, Japan, United States which have achieved high; workers are always key.

“How are we as a country making sure that workers and their families have a sustainable means of living?” he questioned.

The round table conference which was organised by the UN Global Impact Network Ghana is a move to advance conversations about Ghana’s low living wage with the government and relevant stakeholders on the labour front on improved remunerations and conditions of service.

“We hold a strong view that any attempt to remove the Tchiani-led military junta in Niger by force will further escalate the tension and the insecurity in the region,” Dr Yaw Baah, Secretary General of TUC, said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.  

This follows a meeting held by the TUC on August 18, 2023, in Accra to discuss the situation in Niger.  

According to the TUC, there was simply no reason for ECOWAS to wage a war in Niger, more so when there was no consensus among ECOWAS members.    

“A war in Niger or anywhere in the region has a very great potential to create the environment for more insurgents and even more coup d’etats in the region, which may lead to further instability and insecurity.  

“None can impose democracy on any country until and unless the people themselves are ready for it,” the statement added.  

The TUC noted that it believed that through diplomacy, constitutional order could be re-established in the Republic of Niger if ECOWAS leaders engaged the military junta in good faith, “with clean hearts and clear minds”.    

It urged the military junta to return Niger to constitutional rule immediately to preempt any “senseless war in our region”.  

The leadership condemned the coup and said any act that disturbed the constitutional order in any country needed to be condemned because it took that society back to the old order where a few people illegally took and usurped power that belonged to the people.    

“The TUC will always support democracy because that is the only way to ensure respect for constitutional order, respect for rule of law, respect for human rights, including the rights of workers, separation of powers and respect for the rights of women and men as groups and as individuals,” the statement added.  

The TUC said all efforts should, therefore, be made to deepen and sustain democracy on the continent by creating and strengthening democratic institutions.  

The meeting follows a summon by the NLC to Organised Labour after its leadership announced its nationwide strike. 

Organised Labour on June 26th announced that it will embark on a strike on July 10, following the dismissal of three Union Leaders at Sunon Asogli Power Plant. 

TUC is fuming over the decision of management not to reinstate them after several appeals.

Speaking to journalists in Accra, Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah says they will still strike. 

“The directive is that Organised Labour leaders are saying that on July 10, we are starting a nationwide strike, involving all workers who are part of Organised Labour, so that stands.

“In the meantime, the National Labour Commission has called us, we will go and hear them. The truth of the matter is that a lot of stakeholders are involved in this. As soon as we issued the statement on the strike for July 10, as we expected, I can tell you that a number of people who care about this country have come, and they want to see how they can work with us as management,” the Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, said.

The Union said the three had their contracts terminated simply because they decided to join the Trades Union Congress which it said is against the labour laws of Ghana.

In exercise of its powers under Section 139 of the Labour Act 2003, Act 651, it has written to summon the parties—the TUC and the management of Sunon Asogli Power Plant Ghana Limited—to appear before the Commission for a hearing of the issues in dispute.

“On June 29, 2023, the NLC was served with a Notice of a nationwide strike dated June 26, 2023, by the TUC, the complainant body of Trade unions, against the management of Sunon Asogli Power Plant Ghana Limited, the Respondent company, and copied among others.

“The union alleges a violation of the fundamental rights of workers by the management of Sunon Asogli, in view of which TUC on behalf of Organized Labour Group has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike effective Monday, July 10th, 2023,” the NLC letter stated.

The Ministers of Employment and Labour Relations; Energy; and National Security were all copied accordingly.

Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah indicated that one of the options is to have the over 20 unions under TUC march to the Jubilee if government is yet to appreciate the severity of the matter at hand.

According to him, government’s action leaves much to be desired.

“The entire organised labour will be involved in this because it touches on our fundamental rights as workers of Ghana. Our constitutional rights are enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. We will never allow this to stand.”

“We will not allow the president to rest until he acts on this matter because he is the Commander-In-Chief and he has to uphold the constitution of this country. That is why we elected him.”

He was at a loss as he described the actions of the power company as a blatant disregard for the laws of the country.

“So if some Chinese investors come to Ghana to violate our laws enshrined in the constitution of Ghana, we expect the President to act. If the president doesn’t act, we will act.”

Scores of members of the union on Tuesday, March 9, 2023, clad in red, holding placards, singing and under police protection gathered at Kpone in the Greater Accra region and marched towards the premises of the power producer.

Asked if the TUC had engaged management of Sunon Asogli Power, Dr Baah responded in the affirmative with the said meeting yielding no positive results.

Aside management of the company, TUC said the issue has gone before the Employment and Labour Minister and others who matter but there hasn’t been any favourable outcome.   

National Chair of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, Kwarko Mensah Gyakari, in an interview with Joy Business believes their action is to send a clear signal to employers as to how to handle employee issues. 

“Sunon Asogli Power is willing to compensate the three dismissed local union leaders but that is not why we’re here. At the Labour Commission they said that those guys have done nothing wrong. They have decided that they are getting them off.

“The next action is going to follow from the Ghana Mine Workers and other unions and because of that, you are going to hear from us as to what we are going to do going forward. We will never, ever sit down for these things to continue for these Chinese guys to have their way.”

The TUC is displeased with the dismissal of three local union leaders at Sunon Asogli Power with some employees having decided to be part of Ghana Mine Workers Union.

The power company last week issued a release in which it stated that it is not against unionisation but the process in which it is done.

“Sunon Asogli is not and has never been against unionisation. Indeed, the company is aware of the right of our employees under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), to join a union. The issue has been about the procedure and approach adopted by the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union,” the statement read.

The company said it is working closely with relevant authorities to bring finality to the matter.

This follows the expiry of an ultimatum given by the unions for the company to reinstate the workers whose contracts were allegedly terminated on the basis that they joined the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union.

During the 2023 National May Day Parade, Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah indicated that his outfit has already notified the Police in Tema about its intention to embark on the first solidarity action against the Chinese company.

“All union members in Tema and Accra should get ready for action on the 9th of May, 2023”, he said.

Dr Baah added “we will let them know that they cannot come from China to tell us what to do in our own country.”

He, however, appealed to President Akufo-Addo to intervene to avert any possible disturbances on the labour front.

Meanwhile, in an interview on BusinessLive on the JoyNews Channel, General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, said co-founder of Sunon Asogli Togbe Afede XIV, who is also the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, recently indicated to the union, his preparedness to engage the company with the view to finding a more lasting solution to the matter.

According to Mr. Gbana, the expectation is that Togbe Afede XIV, based on the conversations that took place between both of them, will revert latest Monday May 8, 12023, for an amicable solution to avert the planned demonstration.

“Barring that arrangement we have with Togbe Afede, we believe that Tuesday, May 9 [2023] we are proceeding with our actions.

Meanwhile, the GMWU in its latest press statement dated May 4, 2023 has described as factual inaccuracies, misrepresentations and fabrication, a statement put out by the company captioned, ‘Sunon Asogli’s position on Matters Relating to Unionization.’

The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union said, together with the workers of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited, it went through the necessary legal processes to acquire a Collective Bargaining Certificate that empowers the union to represent and negotiate with the company on behalf of the workers.

“At every material time during the unionization process, the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union did not only adopt the procedure and approach required by the law, but it also worked collaboratively with regulatory institutions of the state including the Labour Department of Ghana,” the statement added.

The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union and the TUC say they will not tolerate employers who are out there to suppress and oppress the rights and liberties of workers.

“Therefore, if by this resolve, Sunon Asogli finds the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union as “arrogant, aggressive and uncompromising”, that is unfortunate”, the statement added.

Speaking at the 2023 International Labour Day parade, he noted that government is aware of the impact of the Programme on workers and as such aimed to explore other beneficial options within debt sustainability limits with the cooperation of both Government and Organised Labour.

He said, “In undertaking the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, we have been very mindful of its potential impact on the pension funds of workers. We will not act in any way to short-change workers in protecting their pensions.”

President Akufo-Addo added, “In this regard, within global risk management practice, the options should include diversifying the portfolio of pension funds from the current 70% in government paper to real sector investments including rail, housing, urban transportation, motorways and airport as is done by other pension funds”.

This comes after the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in April urged the Board of Trustees of pensions funds to allow for pension funds to be included in government’s new proposed debt restructuring offer.

The Minister in a signed release explained that the new proposal is aimed at alleviating the cash constraints on the government in the coming years, while fully compensating the Pension Funds for the value of their current holdings.

However, the request was met with opposition from many Ghanaians including organised labour.

GNAT stressed that the association will not back down on its agreement with the government for their pensions to be exempted.

Also speaking at the May Day parade, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Yaw Baah again cautioned the government not to go against its promise to not include pensioners in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

“Mr. President please, do not touch our pension funds…Protecting pensions is our responsibility and we take it very seriously, to us, our first responsibility now is to continue to protect our pension funds from the domestic debt exchange programme.”

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo appealed to organised labour to work urgently with government to conclude the discussions within the spirit of social partnership and burden-sharing towards addressing our economic challenges and providing a stronger base for our rapid growth and development.

“I wish to emphasise that participation in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, voluntary as it was, was critical for the protection of the economy, and the enhancement of our capacity to service our public debts effectively and create fiscal space for our growth and development,” the president said.

“In the midst of the current economic crisis, we cannot risk defaulting in the payment of our public debts, which would attract severe consequences – hence the debt exchange programme,” he added.

According to the TUC, the current economic downturn can be improved should the government divert funds from non-essential spending towards more productive ventures to generate employment and revenue.

Speaking at the 2023 May Day celebration parade at Bolgatanga, the TUC General Secretary urged the government to halt spending on non-essentials like the National Cathedral.

He suggested that it would serve the country better if the project was converted from a cathedral to a national hospital instead.

“We have to change the situation ourselves as Ghanaians. We believe strongly that government can lead us out of this crisis, and the government can do so by cutting expenditure on non-essentials including the need to stop spending our hard-earned revenue on a national cathedral.

“The president has always said he wants to create another Notre Dame in Ghana so we can attract a lot of visitors but we disagree. In fact, comrades, it will be better to convert the project into a national hospital,” he said.

He further reiterated calls for the government to reduce its size to save costs.

“Mr President you can also reduce the size of your government. Ghana has too many ministers and deputy ministers.”

This year’s May Day celebration was on the theme ‘Protecting incomes and pensions in an era of economic crisis: Our responsibility.’

According to Dr Yaw Baah, it is the responsibility of the Union to protect their pension funds from the DDE programme and that is their main priority.

“We want to once again remind government that the memorandum of understanding he signed on December 22, 2022, stated clearly that all pension funds have been exempted from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, nothing has changed.

“So Mr. President please, do not touch our pension funds,” he said.

The Secretary General announced that the President has also assured the Union to pay the delayed lump sum to eligible pensioners who are yet to receive their top-ups.

“It’s always better late than never,” he said.

The International Labour Day Celebration which falls on May 1, each year was held earlier today at the Jubilee Park, Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

Present at the Celebration was the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has urged the Board of Trustees of pensions funds to allow for pension funds to be included in government’s new proposed debt restructuring offer.

The Minister in a signed release explained that the new proposal is aimed at alleviating the cash constraints on the government in the coming years, while fully compensating the Pension Funds for the value of their current holdings.

This comes after organised Labour rejected the inclusion of pension funds in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

Speaking at a press conference, General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah said although the government has agreed to pay fifteen percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure, the TUC is determined to work together with other Labour Unions to end the unfairness in remuneration for public sector workers.

He said “The TUC and its affiliates have our eyes and minds firmly fixed on the outcome of the Single Spine Salary Review process currently underway. We are determined to work together with other organized Labour groups to end the unfairness in remunerations for public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure on one hand and Article 71 office holders and State Owned Enterprises on the other hand.”

He emphasised, “we will not allow the class system in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders to continue, it must end now.”

The TUC also reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF. Dr. Yaw Baah said it will worsen the prevailing harsh economic conditions.

He said corruption and failure to transform the structure of the economy are responsible for the country’s lack of progress.

Dr. Yaw Baah said “we have already communicated our objection to the decision to seek an IMF bailout for the umpteenth time. We are convinced that an IMF programme will not solve our problems. It will only impose hardships on Ghanaians”.

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The Union insists the trust has failed in delivering on its mandate. 

The Secretary-General of the Union, Dr Yaw Baah, made the call at a media engagement on Monday, July 18.

His reasons for the demand included the disparities in the pension scheme and the low pension premium paid to public sector retirees.

”The essence of SSNIT is completely gone. What is social security for people who earn GH¢300? I can assure you if it wasn’t pushed further to GH¢300 there would still be people who earn lesser than that.

”How can someone who is paid GH¢40,000 be paying SSNIT whereas another who earns about GHS300 be deducted also?”

Dr Baah also assured its members that although the government has agreed to pay 15 percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure, the TUC is determined to work together with other Labour Unions to end the unfairness in remuneration for public sector workers.

“The TUC and its affiliates have our eyes and minds firmly fixed on the outcome of the Single Spine Salary Review process currently underway. 

“We are determined to work together with other organized Labour groups to end the unfairness in remunerations for public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure on one hand and Article 71 office holders and State Owned Enterprises on the other hand.”

Meanwhile, this is not the move by the Union as it has vowed to end what it describes as a “class system” in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders.

“We will not allow the class system in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders to continue, it must end now.

“The union once again reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF,” Dr Baah added. 

The TUC also reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF. Dr Baah said it will worsen the prevailing harsh economic conditions.

He said corruption and failure to transform the structure of the economy are responsible for the country’s lack of progress.

Dr. Baah said “we have already communicated our objection to the decision to seek an IMF bailout for the umpteenth time. We are convinced that an IMF programme will not solve our problems. It will only impose hardships on Ghanaians.”

The Trades Union Congress has warned its members may join the ongoing strike declared by teacher unions should the government fail to pay the allowance.

Currently, four teacher unions who are on strike to demand the payment of a cost of living allowance have vowed to continue with the industrial action despite the government’s persuasion.

A meeting with the government on the matter on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, ended inconclusively.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, said the government’s posture over the COLA payment may push them to join the strike.

“There is nothing to negotiate over. Everyone is requesting what is due them. We are all preparing to go on strike if the government does not give us anything reasonable. We all want better Cost of Living Allowances.”

Meanwhile, the government is pleading with the four teacher unions and other unions who have expressed interest in joining the strike to bear with the government.

According to the union, the country is in challenging times and so any astronomical increase in tariffs could trigger social upheavals.

The TUC made it’s stands clear at a forum where each of the utility companies presented its proposal, as submitted to the PURC for a major review of tariffs for electricity and water for the period 2022 to 2027, to the union.

The companies are the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Northern Electricity Development Company (NEDCo), the Enclave Power Company (EPC) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).

Demands

The VRA is asking for a tariff increase of 37 per cent, which is an increase in the bulk generation charge (BGC) from GH ¢0.28.2273/kWh to GH ¢0.38.6879/kWh, while GRIDCo is proposing a 48 per cent increase in the transmission charge.

The ECG is demanding a 148 per cent increase in tariffs for 2022 alone; NEDCo is looking for a 113 per cent increase for 2022, while the GWCL is seeking an increase of more than 300 per cent.

Recommendation

The TUC, in its perspective paper, said if the proposals were granted by the PURC, it would result in very significant increases in end-user tariffs for electricity and water.

“This is not the time for a major review of utility tariffs. We do not need astronomical increases in tariffs in these challenging times. Rather, what we need are measures that will reduce waste to the barest minimum and infuse efficiency in the operations of the utility companies to sustain them over a long period of time.

“The ECG must collect its revenues, stop illegal connections and close the gap between its billing and electricity sales. The GWCL must do more metering and stop charging flat rates. The government must consider absorbing some of the losses of the utilities arising out of the current levels of inflation and currency depreciation,” it said.

It further urged the government to provide needed resources for the utilities to undertake critical investments in the generation, transmission and distribution of both electricity and water.

Desalination project

On the desalination project in Accra, the TUC underscored the need for the government to address the challenges posed by the project.

“This 25-year take-or-pay contract is so unfair to the nation. At the current rate, the GWCL is obliged to pay Befesa Co. Ltd US$1.3 million every month, whether the company produces water or not.

“During periods of the year, especially in August when the turbidity levels of seawater is such that the Befesa Plant cannot produce the required water, the GWCL is still obliged to pay the company.

“The company (Befesa) has consistently failed to provide the contracted volumes of water, and the contract cannot be abrogated even when the company consistently fails to produce water for which the contract was signed,” it added.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has rejected government’s claim that it cannot afford to remove taxes on petroleum products.

It says government must strive to provide incentives that will cushion industry players and consumers who are reeling from the impact of high fuel prices in the country.

According to the Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, other countries “gave money to their citizens” at the height of fuel price increment, which did not run them into losses; hence, government has no excuse for denying calls for the removal of petroleum taxes.

“I think this is a social investment that we need to do to bring calm to society to avoid any problems from the social groups, I hope the President will take this again,” he told JoyNews in an interview.

There has been a significant sustained increase in the price of petroleum products at the pumps influenced largely by global events but also aggravated by a raft of government taxes.

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Organised labour has been agitating for the removal of some of the taxes.

 But President Akufo-Addo declared during the May Day celebration on Sunday that he will not remove the taxes, insisting it will cost the government ¢4 billion a year.

He said government was currently confronted by very tight financing conditions, in the wake of inadequate domestic revenue mobilisation.

“Indeed, some of the revenues from these same taxes on petroleum products is what is used to pay some of the salaries of some of the 700,000 public sector workers on Government’s payroll.”

“We, therefore, continue to be vulnerable to the price volatilities of the world market for petroleum products,” Mr Akufo-Addo explained.

This has been met with fierce opposition from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which has resolved to continue pushing for the possible removal of the taxes.

“I did not agree fully with the President saying that ‘if I remove all taxes on petroleum, Ghana will lose ¢4 billion.’ I don’t understand what he meant by loss. If you give something to your citizens, you haven’t lost anything.

“The President only looked at the money aspect in terms of quantum or whatever he said he was going to lose,” Dr Yaw Baah argued.

Meanwhile, the TUC wants government to, as a matter of urgency, review the single spine pay policy and pay workers a living wage.

“As we speak, minimum wage earners in Ghana are currently receiving ¢13.53 for a whole day’s work or ¢365 for a whole month’s work. This is below the 1.9-dollar international poverty line at the current exchange rate…salaries have lost over a third of their real value as prices of essential commodities, including food and fuel continue to increase on daily basis.’’

Dr Baah lamented the “poor structuring” of the salary of Public Sector employees, which he said also affected pensions particularly, those not captured under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

He said the suggestion was not a sustainable one because, “removing taxes on petroleum products will reduce government revenues by some four billion cedis (GHC4 billion).”

Addressing organized labour at this year’s May Day celebration at the Independence Square in Accra, the President said “At this time, when we are determined to expand Government revenues to increase our capacity to finance our own development, can we afford to reduce tax revenues by four billion cedis (GH¢4 billion)?

The President was responding to a request by the Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress, Dr Yaw Baah, for the government to suspend all taxes and levies on petroleum products, to mitigate the current economic hardship facing Ghanaians because of hikes in fuel prices, food commodities, and transport fares.

President Akufo-Addo said the Government was currently confronted by very tight financing conditions, in the wake of inadequate domestic revenue mobilization.

“Indeed, some of the revenues from these same taxes on petroleum products is what is used to pay some of the salaries of some of the 700,000 public sector workers on Government’s payroll.”

The President announced that the government was addressing the issue of fuel price increases by implementing measures that are succeeding in stabilising the exchange rate, which is a key determinant of fuel prices.

He said that Government was also working hard to ensure reliable supply and availability of petroleum products to prevent shortages being experienced in some neighboring countries.

President Akufo-Addo reminded Ghanaians that even though the nation was a modest producer of crude oil, with a current output of 148,000 barrels per day, “we are still a net importer of petroleum products.

“We, therefore, continue to be vulnerable to the price volatilities of the world market for petroleum products.”

The President however, said intense efforts were underway to rehabilitate the Tema Oil Refinery, to enable it to contribute to stabilise petroleum prices, which he hoped would soon materialize.

He also disclosed that the government was encouraging private companies to establish refineries in the country, one of which was 80 per cent complete and expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.

He said the high prices of fuel, with negative effect on food and commodity prices, was impacting workers’ wages badly and affecting the standard of living.

“We, therefore, call on Government to suspend all taxes and all levies on petrol and diesel and LPG concurrently until the international price of crude oil and the value of the Cedi has stabilised. This will bring down prices of fuel products and ease the burden on Ghanaians.”

He appealed to President Akufo-Addo on Sunday at the May Day parade held at the Black Star Square in Accra to intervene and improve the ordinary Ghanaian worker’s purchasing power.

Dr Baah called on Government to, as a matter of urgency, review the single spine pay policy and pay workers living wage.

“As we speak, minimum wage earners in Ghana are currently receiving 13 cedis 53 pesewas for a whole day’s work or 365 cedis for a whole month’s work. This is below the 1.9-dollar international poverty line at the current exchange rate…salaries have lost over a third of their real value as prices of essential commodities, including food and fuel continue to increase on daily basis.’’

He lamented over the “poor structuring” of the salary of Public Sector employees, which he said also affected pensions particularly, those not captured under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

According to the the TUC, this will help better the lot of public sector workers across the country.

Speaking at this year’s May Day Celebration at the Black Star Square, the General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah, also called for an overhaul of government’s single spine salary structure, removal of petroleum taxes and an increase in the minimum wage to bring relief to the public sector workforce.

“I will like to conclude with a very very special request to you. Given the rising cost of living, we will like to humbly appeal to you, to use your executive powers to grant a cost of living allowance of at least 20% to all public service workers.

I will like to appeal to you, to use your executive powers to grant a COLA of at least 20% to all public sector workers.

Here, I’m not talking only about those on single spine. I’m also talking about the Armed Forces, the Police Service, the Prison Service, the Immigration Service, the Fire Service and all the security and intelligence agencies. The cost of living allowance must also be extended to workers in the private sector who’re earning just GH¢365 per month”, he stated.

He also added that, “We also expect that this will be extended to all those pensioners on the SSNIT scheme who’re earning just GH¢300 a month.

Mr. President, this will not only cushion workers and pensioners from the harsh effects of inflation. But even more importantly, it will prevent mass poverty in this country amongst the working people, who’re contributing so much to the development of our country”.

Dr. Baah reiterated the increasing cost of living in the country, and wondered why Ghanaians continue to suffer, despite the country’s assets.

“Mr. President, Ghanaians are suffering too much. This is not the country that was envisaged by our leaders who fought with their tears and blood to gain independence for us.

God has endowed us gold, diamond, forest, ocean, oil and other resources, therefore nothing can justify the high incidents of severe poverty, destitution and suffering in Ghana today, 65 years today.

It is obvious to us that the numerous IMF programmes in Ghana did not work. It is also clear to us that the partisan approach to dealing with Ghana’s problems is not working”, he said.

The body has justified the demand, insisting they will continue to strike until government fully commits to paying the money.

CLOGSAG says its members will not join the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the celebration of this year’s Workers’ Day on May 1, 2022.

Addressing the media, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo described TUC as a poisonous union.

He maintained that CLOGSAG has the bargaining power to seek conditions of service for its members.

Mr Bampoe Addo who accused TUC of acting in bad faith said they will organise their own activities across the country to mark the May Day celebration.

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Members of CLOGSAG laid down their tools on Thursday, April 21, 2022, following the inability of the government to pay the allowance as agreed upon in January this year.

The neutrality allowance is to ensure that civil and local government workers do not engage in partisanship while conducting their affairs when they are in their various offices.

The union insists the strike is on and will only be called off when the government is firm on its promise to pay them.

Listen to the audio below for more:

According to her, the name of the allowance, which has been largely considered controversial, should not take away the substance and significance of the allowance to the average public sector worker.

She stated that just as other workers have risk allowances, it was necessary for all public sector workers to be compensated for the opportunity cost of the work they do at their various stations.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, she said, “Because the reference was made of GBC that for instance radiation allowance, and then I have worked in GBC before so I know about night and risk allowances. You have people working the whole night through, and move into the studio at night to work when everybody is asleep.

“If you didn’t give them night allowance, or they were working with machines, or they were working with transmitters, etc. that we know has high levels of radiation, if you didn’t give them that, what would you give them?

“And so we need to look at the specifics and then we can ascribe whatever compensation there is to it. I mean, we have had situations where workers for instance are taken for granted, and it gets to the point that you as an ordinary worker say to yourself ‘no more of this’.

“You know whatever name is put to it, whatever or however it is termed, there are substances to these things and that is what we need to look at. If people have worked and they deserve for you to give them a risk or neutrality or however you want to call it, please let’s go to the substance of the issue and stop putting names to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, the government after a meeting with the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has agreed to commence the payment of the Neutrality allowance by the last quarter of 2022.

This follows a strike action embarked on by CLOGSAG members to protest the government’s failure to pay the allowance starting February 2022 as earlier promised.

The government, however, through the Head of Loca Government Services, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur has expressed its discontentment with the name of the allowance.

Dr. Ato Arthur said “forget about the terminology that we called it because that terminology or nomenclature doesn’t sit well with us as government. So let’s have a team to look at how it is going to be called. However that allowance we’ll give to you effective the last quarter of the year.”