The Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU) Ghana has urged the government to swiftly address the prevailing economic challenges in the country and provide much-needed relief to the citizens.
Mr. Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary, commended the government's efforts in assisting distressed State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), specifically mentioning the National Investment Bank, in response to the Union's appeal.
The Union emphasized the importance of empowering these SOEs to fulfill their traditional roles in the economic landscape, contributing to the growth and development of the national economy.
In his Christmas and New Year message, Mr. Ayawine highlighted the economic difficulties faced in 2023, including hyperinflation and high lending rates, resulting in an economic downturn with adverse effects on workers' real income and purchasing power.
“The economic downturn and its negative ramifications on businesses have caused attrition in sustainable employment, hampering new job creation, exacerbating unemployment, and increasing the dependency rate and poverty levels in the country,” he added.
Mr. Ayawine expressed gratitude to social partners and good employers for their collaboration, understanding, and efforts toward sustainable employment, leading to increased productivity and business profitability.
He cautioned employers engaging in outsourcing and casualization of jobs to adhere to labor laws, emphasizing the potential harm to workers' financial security.
Addressing the workers, Mr. Ayawine urged them to persevere and work diligently despite the economic challenges, stating, “Gallant workers, who are the pivot of the growth and development of the national economy, [should] press on and work harder until we win the war over factors militating against the full recovery of businesses and economic prosperity of the Ghanaian workforce.”