It was a morning of recognition and resolve as the Western Regional Minister stood before a gathering of hardworking men and women to celebrate May Day – not as a routine calendar event, but as a heartfelt tribute to the dignity of labour.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the chiefs and people of the Western Region, the Minister extended warm congratulations to organised labour and all workers across the region.
“To every worker in the formal and informal sectors; to every artisan, teacher, nurse, fisherfolk, farmer, miner, driver, clerk, entrepreneur, technician, and public servant, I say on behalf of Government and the people of the Western Region – Ayekoo! Well done,” he said.
This year’s May Day theme, “Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond Macroeconomic Stability,” was described as both apt and forward-looking.
The Minister stressed that macroeconomic stability is not an end in itself.
“Stability must translate into jobs. Stability must translate into increased productivity. Stability must translate into improved incomes, business expansion, industrial activity, and sustainable livelihoods for ordinary workers and their families.”
He added that the ordinary Ghanaian worker must feel the impact of economic recovery not in speeches, but in daily living through decent employment, secure incomes, improved work ing conditions, and renewed hope for the future.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to stimulate growth and expand opportunities in the Western Region:
· Port of Takoradi – Expanded round‑the‑clock operations, strengthening maritime trade and employment.
· Technical and vocational training – Through the Ghana TVET Service and Takoradi Technical University, equipping youth with skills in engineering, fabrication, digital technology, and industrial services.
· Infrastructure, SME support, and market access – Prioritised as key pathways to job creation.
“True growth is measured by the number of decent jobs created, by the security of the worker, by the fairness of wages paid, and by the hope a family has for tomorrow.”
Acknowledging genuine concerns among workers low remuneration, rising living costs, occupational risks, delayed benefits, and job insecurity the Minister called for sustained dialogue and practical policy responses.
He urged employers in both public and private sectors to uphold the dignity of labour by ensuring fair compensation, safe working environments, and respect for labour laws.
“Workers are not expendable tools; workers are development partners.”
At the same time, he encouraged workers to uphold discipline, punctuality, innovation, integrity, and productivity, and to embrace technological readiness in a changing global economy.
To the youth, he said: “The jobs of tomorrow will reward skill, creativity, technology, and enterprise. Your hands and your minds are your greatest capital.”
In a significant announcement, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to championing the establishment of a modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Takoradi Hospital, calling it a critical regional priority.
“No productive workforce can thrive without quality healthcare.”
The Western Regional Health Directorate has identified emergency and quality healthcare improvement as central to the region’s development agenda. The proposed ICU will bring life‑saving specialised care closer to workers and their families, improving emergency medical response.
He appealed to organised labour, corporate institutions, traditional authorities, faith‑based organisations, assemblies, and all well‑meaning citizens to support the initiative.
The Minister concluded with a call for deeper collaboration between government, employers, unions, civil society, and workers.
“No government can achieve transformation without the cooperation of labour, and no economy can flourish without peace and industrial harmony.”
He congratulated all workers being recognised for their dedication and urged everyone to continue working together in unity, peace, and renewed determination.
“Let us build a Western Region and a Ghana where hard work is rewarded, dignity is protected, and opportunity is shared.”
Meanwhile, the Western and Western North Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Samuel Polley, is calling on the government to move beyond the concept of minimum wages and work towards the implementation of a living wage – a wage that fairly meets the cost of living and ensures dignity for all workers.
“While government may have made efforts towards achieving macroeconomic stability, the critical questions remain: how does this impact the everyday life of workers? Does this translate into decent jobs for our teeming unemployed youth? Sustainable livelihoods and decent work are the true reflection of meaningful growth.
We, as workers, respectfully call on government to move beyond the concept of minimum wages and work towards the implementation of living wages, wages that fairly meet the cost of living and ensure dignity for all workers.” He appealed.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
