Ghana Federation of Labour declares 2024 an action year, advocates for workers’ rights

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has officially declared 2024 as an action year for the labour force, calling on unions to actively demand fair wages and improved working conditions.

Mr. Abraham Koomson, the Secretary-General of GFL, made the declaration, urging labour unions to unite and advocate for the interests of Ghanaian workers.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tema, he emphasized the need for labour unions to fight for higher salaries, fair working hours, and safer working conditions.

“This year, if labour unions fail to fight for the interests of workers, we risk popular revolt against the leaderships; we cannot stand the anger of hungry workers,” warned Mr Koomson.

He called on labour union leaders to collaborate and confront any entity, including the government and management of establishments, whose actions are not in the best interest of the workers.

Reflecting on the labour unrest witnessed in 2023, Mr Koomson stressed the importance of defending workers' welfare against government policies deemed unfavourable to labour.

Addressing public sector managers, Mr Koomson urged them to establish strategic and achievable targets for workers, acknowledging that workers often face accusations of underperformance when essential tools are lacking.

“We must rather hold senior management and supervisors responsible for the failure of workers to achieve targets,” he asserted.

Suggesting the reintroduction of the clock-in-and-out system for punctuality, Mr. Koomson emphasized the need for accountability in the public sector.

He stated, “If you don't clock in, the days or hours lost would be deducted at the end of the month from your salary.”

Mr. Koomson also addressed the issue of discrimination in the labour market, calling for an end to unfair treatment. He questioned discrepancies in retirement benefits, advocating for equal treatment for all workers.

“We all work for the same state; either we all retire on our full salaries with other benefits or we all go home without it. There should be no room for animal farm policies,” he concluded.