Minority condemns government for creating panic among workforce
The Minority in Parliament has condemned some elements in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for creating fear and panic among the Ghanaian workforce.
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According to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs), that had to a large extent limited the friendly working environment that existed before the change of government on January 7, 2017.
In a statement to commemorate this year’s May Day celebration, the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, said the Akufo-Addo-led government had so far created a system that frustrated the growth of labour.
“ It is sad to note that elements associated with this current administration attacked public institutions, forced out workers of these institutions and in many instances physically assaulted these lawful employees all in the name of political takeovers.”
He said the nation continued to witness mass worker transfers, forced resignations, politically motivated ‘proceed on leave’ directives and unlawful termination of engagements within the public and civil service under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Nana’s promise
Mr Haruna Iddrisu recalled that on May 1, 2016 the then opposition leader of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo, in a statement to workers on the day confidently assured them of life contrary to the general malaise the labour front in Ghana was currently experiencing.
“At the time, he said within a short space of time, the Ghanaian worker would experience improved wages, reduced cost of living, increased job opportunities, with a value addition in industrialisation to create jobs with good pay across Ghana, while maintaining a safe and peaceful worker environment necessary for the progressive programmes and policies that the NPP have for the people of Ghana,” Mr Iddrisu said.
The Minority questioned if Ghanaian workers felt the signs of realising those promises made by President Nana Akufo-Addo a year ago in the midst of current rising cost of living, increases in transport fares by 15 per cent, high cost of utility bills, non-improvement in electric power supply and stagnating wages and salaries.
“Sadly, the disheartening signs we see and feel today include the threat of 26,589 lawful employees who are on the verge of losing their salaries for failure of not being captured onto the SSNIT Biometric Register through no fault of theirs, as well as recent demonstrations by trainee nurses over a freeze on their employment by the Nana Addo government.”
The group promised to collaborate with the labour front in pressurising the NPP government to ensure that the liberties of Ghanaian workers were not infringed upon, while cooperating with all efforts targeted at improved cost of living and the dignity of the Ghanaian workforce.
Labour front commended
Meanwhile, the Minority has commended Ghanaian workers for their hard work and tenacity of purpose in spite of the odds and challenges that confront them in their line of duty, urging them to continue to make Ghana work as never before. The Minority said the workers’ front in the recent past had demonstrated its capabilities in freedom and dignity, proving their wealth in a well-motivated atmosphere and achieving results without intimidation or fear from any quarters.