Organised Labour has welcomed government’s directive to reduce fuel prices but is urging authorities to implement more substantial cuts and clearly outline measures to address potential revenue shortfalls.
The labour groups say while the intervention is a step in the right direction, it may not significantly ease the cost-of-living pressures on workers unless the reduction exceeds 20 percent.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with 3news in Accra on April 10, labour leaders commended the initiative but stressed the need for greater impact and transparency.
Their reaction follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama after a Cabinet meeting, instructing the Ministry of Finance to review the fuel price build-up and implement reductions aimed at cushioning Ghanaians.
Less than 24 hours after the announcement, Organised Labour acknowledged the President’s move but raised concerns about its timing and long-term sustainability.
“I think that the President coming forward to announce the decision is not bad. We just want to know what the Finance Minister will announce, and we hope it will be something substantial that will cushion workers,” one labour leader said.
They cautioned that reducing fuel-related taxes without a clear revenue replacement strategy could create fiscal challenges.
“We need to commend the government. It is just that these things are not sustainable because we need money to develop. Government should explain how it will raise revenue to plug the deficit that may occur,” the source added.
General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Tanko Musah, also questioned the delay in implementing the reduction, warning it could have unintended consequences on market prices.
“I think the President should have gone ahead to announce the reduction. With what has been done—directing the Finance Minister to do so next week—it may compel market women to increase the prices of their produce before the reduction is announced,” he said.
Similarly, General Secretary of the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU), King James Azortibah, underscored the need for immediate and decisive action to ensure workers feel the benefit of the policy.
Meanwhile, Organised Labour also weighed in on government’s decision to cancel certain allowances for ministers, calling for transparency and careful implementation to avoid unintended disruptions in governance.
Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, expressed cautious optimism about the move.
“We are praying that this decision will not affect the efficiency and the work of the ministers,” he said.
However, Mr. Musah questioned the sustainability and oversight of the policy.
“These decisions are not sustainable. Cancelling the allowances of ministers—we think a much broader initiative will help,” he noted.
Other labour leaders also raised concerns about accountability in implementing the directive.
“Who supervises the cancellation of the allowances? We just hope that the work of the ministers will not be impacted,” another leader stated.
Organised Labour maintains that while the government’s efforts are commendable, a more comprehensive and transparent approach will be critical to ensuring long-term economic stability and meaningful relief for workers.
By Daniel Opoku
