Ghana Gears Up for May Day Celebrations

Ghana: Ghana joins the world to mark International Workers' Day, May Day, on Friday. The national parade will be held in Koforidua, where thousands of workers from public and private sector unions will march under the Trades Union Congress headed by Mr. Joe Ansah. President John Mahama is scheduled to address the gathering. According to Ghana News Agency, this year's theme is "Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond Microeconomic Stability." Security services, health workers, teachers, transport unions, and informal sector associations are all expected to participate. Regional parades will also be held in all 16 regional capitals. The Ghana Police Service has announced that it has deployed personnel to ensure a peaceful celebration and manage traffic around parade grounds. May Day, observed in over 80 countries, commemorates the 1886 Haymarket protests in Chicago for the eight-hour workday. In Ghana, it has been a public holiday since 1960 and remains the main platform for labor to enga ge the government on policy. Government sources say the President's address will highlight job creation programs and the 24-hour economy policy. Businesses, schools, and public offices will remain closed for the holiday. However, banks and essential services will operate with skeleton staff.