Accra: The Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union, Ghana (ICU) has called on the government to diversify its strategies to create sustainable jobs in various sectors of the economy. This initiative, the union stated, would improve the livelihoods of the working class and their families, as macroeconomic stability alone does not guarantee sustainable livelihoods.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of ICU, emphasized this point in a statement marking this year's May Day celebration. The Day is celebrated to show solidarity and demand recognition and commensurate reward for labor to improve the standard of living. Mr. Ayawine noted that despite the country's economic challenges, the Union has pledged to continue sacrificing and working harder to enhance the government's development agenda.
Mr. Ayawine stated, "We expect the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that, at the stage of resetting the nation, systems must function efficiently and effectively to move the economy forward." He emphasized the ICU's determination to rebuild Ghana and ensure sustainable economic growth and national development. He remarked, "We have laboured and continue to labour tirelessly through our blood and sweat to attain the noble objective of economic self-sufficiency for Ghana, both now and for posterity."
However, Mr. Ayawine indicated that the dream of economic self-sufficiency seems perpetually elusive, as the harder they labor and sacrifice, the more distant the realization of economic goals and prosperity appears. He called for urgent attention to the country's economic systems by diagnosing the causes despite the nation's rich endowment of human capital, intellectual capacity, and natural resources.
Even though the government has achieved some level of success in macroeconomic areas, Mr. Ayawine emphasized the need for strategizing to ensure that such improvements translate into a better standard of living. He highlighted that many workers are still grappling with the high cost of living, including rent, water, electricity, transport, and basic food items.
"As committed social partners, we will continue to play our part in supporting the government's efforts, as we have always done. However, the government must deliver on its mandate and bring sustainable relief to workers and Ghanaians in general," Mr. Ayawine stated. He also urged employers, who remain indifferent to workers' sufferings and engage in unfair labor practices, to desist from such actions and ensure fairness and equity.
In a message of encouragement, Mr. Ayawine said, "I encourage all workers not to despair, but to remain courageous and resilient despite the current economic difficulties. There is always a silver lining at the end of every tunnel; stay strong and press on."