Labour unions have responded to the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, on his quest for a “honeymoon” period should the NDC regain power in the 2024 elections.
They insist they can only provide that support when the government of the day becomes measured in its spending.
During a ‘Campus Connect’ event in Hohoe as part of his ‘Building Ghana Together Tour’, John Dramani Mahama demanded from Ghanaians, especially from trade and labour groups, that the rate at which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sunk the economy requires some ample time to reset things before any expectations are made.
“And you will realize the harm that the NPP administration has done to Ghana’s economy. This country is broke, and so we will beg you that when we come into office give us a bit of a honeymoon, let’s put things in place so that we bring the economy back onto its feet,” he pleaded.
Responding to the former President’s request, Professor of Political Science and Chapter President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, said the government of the day would enjoy that “honeymoon” only on a condition.
Until the government is seen avoiding unnecessary expenditure, labour unions are not going to grant that period Mr. Mahama is seeking in the event of winning power.
He noted it is his hope that government “wouldn’t be seen or be heard talking, telling labour to tighten their belt while you and your appointees will be living in opulence, as we keep seeing now.
“So what is going to be the size of the government? Are they going to be selling vehicles that may be bequeathed to them by the current administration? I mean, if some of these things are done, we will not get the support from labour.”
Meanwhile, spokesperson for John Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu assured that the President is ready to control expenditure if given the support.
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