Accra: Organised Labour in the Volta and Oti Regions has called on the Government to move beyond macroeconomic stability and pursue policies that ensure decent jobs, living wages, and improved livelihoods for Ghanaian workers. Mrs. Edith Abla Amenuvor Afewu, Volta and Oti Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), made the call at the 2026 May Day celebration of the two regions held in Ho.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Afewu emphasized that Ghana's economic recovery would be meaningful only if it translated into quality employment, better incomes, and improved living standards for workers. She stated, "Ghana does not need macroeconomic stability alone. Ghana needs stability that creates good quality jobs in the right quantities. Ghana needs growth that raises incomes, improves and stabilizes livelihoods."
Mrs. Afewu identified low wages and salaries as a significant challenge facing Ghanaian workers, describing current earnings as grossly inadequate amid rising living costs. She highlighted that the national daily minimum wage of GHS21.78, equivalent to about GHS588 a month, was insufficient to support workers and their families, while the minimum salary on the Single Spine Salary Structure, pegged at about GHS809 a month, was also inadequate. "These low salaries are barely enough for survival. How workers on such salaries are expected to pay for food, rent, clothing, and utilities remains a puzzle," she said.
On emoluments, Mrs. Afewu welcomed the Government's proposal to establish an Independent Emoluments Commission but expressed concern about suggestions to phase in its implementation, stressing that the Commission alone would not resolve the broader issue of inadequate pay. She also discussed pension issues, noting that pension coverage in the country remained low, with less than one-fifth of eligible Ghanaians enrolled, and many pensioners surviving on less than GHS500 a month. She highlighted disparities in pension payments, where some pensioners earned as little as GHS400 monthly, while others received more than GHS213,000.
Mrs. Afewu called for comprehensive pension reform and unification to promote fairness and reduce pressure on the national budget. She criticized the increasing Government control over the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the transfer of pension oversight from the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment to the Ministry of Finance without adequate consultation with organized labour.
Addressing labour rights, Mrs. Afewu expressed concern about the growing abuse of workers' rights, including victimization for union membership, politically motivated transfers and promotions, and the increasing use of outsourcing arrangements that weaken labour protections. She condemned the politicization of the public sector, where workers were allegedly promoted, transferred, rewarded or punished based on perceived political affiliations. Mrs. Afewu urged the Government to expedite reforms to labour laws, particularly to require employers to provide valid reasons before terminating employment.
In his goodwill message, Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, commended workers in the two regions for their contribution to development and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities. He noted that May Day was not only a time for celebration but also a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to inclusive growth and development. Mr. Gunu paid tribute to workers in all sectors, describing them as the backbone of the region's development.
He emphasized that although the world of work was changing rapidly due to technological advancement and increasing competition, discipline, commitment, and hard work remained essential. Mr. Gunu assured workers of the Government's resolve to create opportunities to improve livelihoods, citing the 24-hour economy initiative as a key policy aimed at expanding jobs and supporting businesses. He highlighted the prioritization of skills development, particularly among the youth, to prepare them for the demands of a modern economy.
The Regional Minister urged workers to remain dedicated, innovative, and professional, while calling on employers to promote fairness, respect, and cooperation at the workplace. He stressed that industrial harmony was critical to national progress and called for stronger collaboration among employers, workers, and the Government to build a productive and prosperous society.