Organised Labour is urging government to prioritise strategic investments in key sectors of the economy to accelerate job creation and improve wages, particularly for Ghana’s growing youth population.
The call comes ahead of this year’s May Day celebrations, scheduled to take place in the Eastern Region.
Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and spokesperson for organised labour, Joshua Ansah, acknowledged recent gains in macroeconomic stability but warned that the progress has yet to translate into meaningful employment opportunities.
“Millions of Ghanaians still struggle to make ends meet. The rising cost of living is taking a toll on our people. We need to create jobs and stop focusing only on statistics,” he said.
Mr. Ansah stressed that low incomes remain a critical concern for workers, calling for wages that reflect current economic realities.
“Incomes are a major concern. We need decent wages, and we demand living wages that reflect our economic realities. We want growth, jobs, and livelihoods that are sustainable. We are calling for increased investment in industries, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital initiatives,” he added.
Meanwhile, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Prosper Tachie, underscored the need for sustained and effective engagement between labour unions and government to improve workers’ welfare.
“Over the years, workers have suffered when it comes to negotiations. We need to be united and collective to fight for better conditions of service,” he noted.
A labour economist, Professor Baah Boateng, also called for targeted investment in key sectors, particularly manufacturing and agriculture, as a pathway to job creation and long-term economic growth.
“We need investment in agriculture that will support manufacturing in the country,” he said.
This year’s May Day celebration is themed: “Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond Macroeconomic Stability.”
