Accra, Dec. 25, GNA – The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union, Ghana, has commended workers for their resilience, encouraging them to continue to work hard to achieve sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.
Mr Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of ICU-Ghana, in his Christmas message, commended the sacrifices and contributions of workers to the development of the economy.
He said the Union would never shirk its responsibility to fight in the best interest of workers of Ghana and would continue to do so until workers’ rightful place was attained.
Mr Ayawine said although not all expectations were fully realized, the modest gains made so far should serve as a springboard to propel workers into 2026 for greater achievements in productivity and improved remuneration.
“While there have been some positive economic indicators during the year—such as a relatively stable exchange rate, single-digit inflation, and reduced interest rates—these gains are yet to translate meaningfully into improved living conditions for the ordinary worker.
“Prices of essential needs, including food, rent, and utilities, remain largely beyond the reach of the average worker,” he said.
He commended the government for fully recapitalizing the National Investment Bank Limited during the year under review to empower the bank to deliver effectively on its mandate.
Mr Ayawine urged the government to address the financial challenges confronting COCOBOD, which remained a major concern to Ghanaians.
“Equally important is the need for the government to bail out selected state-owned enterprises, including PBC Limited, Volta Star Textile Limited, Graphic Communications Group Limited, New Times Corporation, New Neoplan Ghana Limited, and the Pwalugu Tomatoes Factory, as well as to finalize the processes required for ALUWORKS to bounce back.”
These measures, he stressed, would create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth to contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic development of the country.
He commended employers’ role in enhancing productivity and called for strict adherence to Collective Agreements and the labour laws of Ghana to ensure industrial harmony.
“We further admonish anti-union employers who trample on the labourrights of workers by preventing unionization, casualizing jobs, and denying workers their rightful wages, salaries, and benefits to desist from such practices, as they carry serious consequences.
“I salute all workers and our social partners and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” he said.
GNA
Christian Akorlie