Accra: Dr Freda Prempeh, a former Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, has made a compelling appeal to the government for the enhancement of public sector workers' conditions. This call comes as part of the May Day celebrations, a global event recognizing the contributions of workers.
According to Ghana News Agency, as workers across Ghana and the world commemorate Workers Day of Solidarity, Dr Prempeh highlighted the valuable contributions made by workers toward societal improvement. She underscored the historical significance of May Day, first celebrated on May 1, 1890, following its proclamation by socialist parties in Europe, dedicated to international worker unity.
The nationwide public holiday in Ghana is being celebrated under the theme 'Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond Macroeconomic Stability', which underscores a strategic shift from economic stabilization to expansion. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Duayaw-Nkwanta, Dr Prempeh, who is also the Founder of the Ultimate Women Foundation, stressed the need for the government to acknowledge and reward the efforts of public sector workers with better service conditions.
Dr Prempeh's foundation aims to empower local women by unlocking their potential and encouraging them to contribute positively to society. She insisted that the Workers Day celebrations should extend beyond commemorating past achievements to addressing the socioeconomic conditions of public sector workers.
Reflecting on the celebration's theme, Dr Prempeh stressed the unparalleled contributions of public sector workers to economic resilience and stability, calling for these efforts to be matched with improved service conditions. She expressed concern about the unfavourable salary structures for lower-class public sector workers despite their significant economic contributions.
Dr Prempeh urged the government to prioritize the welfare of public sector employees, enhancing their livelihoods and enabling them to meet the needs of their families. She also highlighted the growing challenge of youth unemployment in Ghana as a national security threat and advocated for an environment conducive to private sector growth, which she termed as the economy's engine.
Concluding her remarks, Dr Prempeh extended her wishes for a happy Workers Day to all and expressed hope that the government would address workers' concerns, create economic opportunities, and build a resilient economy for the benefit of all Ghanaians.