The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) marked International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2025, with a renewed call for government action on key issues affecting Ghanaian workers, including economic hardship, job insecurity, and labor rights enforcement.
At this year’s May Day celebrations, GFL leadership highlighted four urgent areas:
- Economic Pressure: With inflation and the cost of living continuing to rise, GFL urged the government to implement relief measures to ease the financial burden on workers.
- Employment and Job Security: The federation called for policies that promote stable, long-term jobs amid growing concerns about automation and changing economic structures.
- Workers’ Rights and Safety: GFL pressed for the strict enforcement of labor laws, including the right to unionize, the provision of fair wages, and safe, humane working environments.
- Illegal Mining (Galamsey): Reaffirming its opposition to illegal mining, GFL warned that if unchecked, the practice would not only endanger the environment but also undermine community livelihoods. The federation has signaled readiness to take strike action if needed.
GFL commended Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister-Designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, for initiating a tripartite dialogue with labor unions to address workers’ grievances.
The federation also expressed support for the National Democratic Congress’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, which aims to expand economic opportunities through shift-based operations.
GFL’s activities aligned with global May Day demonstrations, where labor groups in countries such as the United States also rallied against policies perceived to threaten workers’ welfare.
The federation reaffirmed its commitment to standing with labor movements worldwide in the fight for social and economic justice.
By: Odeefuo Kwasi Berchie
