The flag bearer of the opposition NDC, Former President John Mahama, has said his 24-hour economy policy will diversify Ghana’s economy and empower its  workforce.

In his Workers’ Day message to Ghanaians, the former president urged players in the labour sector to support the 24-hour since it will change the face of the Ghanaian economy and impact workers’ lives.

Mr Mahama who bemoaned the current economic challenges stated that his election would see the resetting of the country toward a path of growth.

“This approach will enable more flexible work schedules for workers, enhancing work-life balance, well-being, and productivity,” Mahama assured.

“I call on every Ghanaian to support this transformative vision, which promises to revitalise our job market and foster long-term sustainable development. Let’s commit to ensuring that our upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted peacefully and fairly, with a steadfast focus on upholding workers’ rights.”

Below is his statement;

2024 INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY MESSAGE FROM HE JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA FLAG BEARER OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS

Today, on Workers’ Day, I extend my warmest regards to every hardworking Ghanaian who is contributing tirelessly to our nation’s development and progress. On behalf of the National
Democratic Congress (NDC) and my running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, I proudly say, ‘Ayekoo’!

Our Workers’ Day theme, “Elections 2024: The Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development,” is a crucial reminder this year. It underscores
your indispensable role in fostering a peaceful, democratic process as we approach the 2024 elections. Your dedication to maintaining fair and peaceful elections is not only a duty but a
shared responsibility essential for our nation’s stability and prosperity.

However, today’s celebration is tempered by our country’s severe challenges because of poor governance, incompetence, economic mismanagement, and institutionalised corruption under the current administration. Never in our history has a democratically elected government taken a wrecking ball to our economy with such ferocity.

The forthcoming elections on December 7 offer us a pivotal opportunity to alter our current trajectory and set a new course. During my first tenure as President, I steered the affairs of this
nation through similarly challenging times. We overcame a significant energy crisis, implemented a universal salary structure, spearheaded transformative infrastructural developments, and built a more resilient economy.

Drawing from this experience, I am prepared to work with you again to commence the vital repair work our country needs after enduring such turbulence. We have achieved progress
before, and I am confident we can do so again.

A central element of my vision for Ghana’s recovery is the implementation of a 24-hour economy. This initiative is designed to generate sustainable, decent job opportunities and promote growth and prosperity for everyone.

Adopting a 24-hour economic model will diversify our economy and empower our workforce. This approach will enable more flexible work schedules for workers, enhancing work-life balance, well-being, and productivity.

I call on every Ghanaian to support this transformative vision, which promises to revitalise our job market and foster long-term sustainable development. Let’s commit to ensuring that our upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted peacefully and fairly, with a
steadfast focus on upholding workers’ rights.

Together, we can forge a brighter future for Ghana—a future that secures both your present and addresses the risks posed to your SSNIT pensions by the current government.

Happy Workers’ Day to all!
Let’s build the Ghana we all want together.

Issued on Tuesday, May 01, 2024.

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union Ghana (ICU-Ghana) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has cautioned the government that it won’t stay aloof for them to be short-changed under the guise of global economic recession.

This call comes on the back of the May Day celebration on the theme Election 2024: “The Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development”.

In a statement signed and issued by the General Secretary of the union Morgan Ayawine, he explained that economies are recovering hence there must be a deliberate attempt by the government to improve the conditions of service of public sector workers.

“We must jealously protect and guard against any employer who may want to short-change labour under the guise of global economic recession when it has been established that economies and businesses are recovering and the outcomes are positive,” the statement said.

The union also warned employers who convert permanent job positions to casual and contract work in the bid to maximize profit to desist from such actions.

“Whilst we work collaboratively with our social partners to increase jobs and protect same, it is pertinent to sound a note of caution to employers who indulge in such demeaning practices of converting permanent job positions to casual and contract work in a bid to maximize profit, to halt it out rightly, as it is not only demotivating but also unacceptable and may eventually backfire on them”.

The union, however, applauded employers who assist and help workers work in a conducive environment.

“For the empathetic employers who share in workers’ pain and are doing their bit to alleviate the pains and suffering, we salute and appreciate them and encourage them to do more, and in the same measure workers should continue with their avowed commitment to working harder all year round, to ensure high productivity, profitability and sustainability of the employers’ businesses to achieve their organizational goals for the mutual good of both parties and the growth and development of the national economy”.

On the 2024 general elections, ICU Ghana also urged its members to refrain from acts that could undermine the peace and stability ahead of the 2024 general elections.

“The National Union (ICU-Ghana), therefore, wishes to take this opportunity to advise all workers to stay away from any person who would want to influence you to do acts that could undermine the peace and stability of the country in this year’s elections”.

Source: Citinewsroom.com