By Isaac Arkoh, GNA
Ajumako (C/R), May 1, GNA – The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has cautioned that the country’s much-touted economic growth was meaningless without corresponding job creation.
It declared unequivocally that “economic growth without jobs is exclusion.”
According to the Union, this stark reality hit hardest in Ghana, where GDP growth had averaged five to six percent in recent years, yet unemployment lingered with graduates waiting five years and above before getting work.
Consequently, the Union had urged the Government to move beyond a narrow conception of economic success and recognise that macroeconomic stability was not an end in itself, but the real test of economics that should improve the living reality of workers and citizens.
Madam Cynthia Maame Aba Sam Ananoo, Central Regional Secretary of the Union gave the advice at the Regional May Day celebration held for the first time at Ajumako in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District of the Central Region.
It was on the theme: “Pivoting to growth, jobs and sustainable livelihoods beyond macroeconomics stability.”
“Does the macroeconomics gains create jobs? Does it raise incomes? Does it secure the future? Does it build sustainable livelihoods? If it does not, then stability, however important, remains incomplete,” the TUC said.
Prior to the programme, hundreds of delightful gallant workers, matched through the principal streets holding placards reflecting their concerns.
Some of them had inscriptions like “Fix GES non-teaching promotions now” “jobs and security are our priority,” “do not clap for us, pay us fairly,” “we demand duty-free vehicles,” “end irregular salary delays across sectors.”
Others are “promote health workers without bias,” “secure pensions for all public servants,” “housing allowances for essential staff,” “uniform hazard pay in high-risk roles.
“Implement backlog promotions sector-wide,” act now, Cathy, deliver equity for Ghana’s backbone workforce.”
TUC also called on the Government to urgently intervene in the money lending market, demanding a sharp reduction in interest rates to ignite broader economic development.
It indicated a sharp disconnect between falling inflation and the Bank of Ghana’s prime rate, on one hand, and persistently high commercial lending rates on the other.
Despite inflation dropping to single digits and the Bank of Ghana’s policy rate easing, it said, lenders were still charging businesses and individuals high interest on loans that were stifling business growth, killing jobs, and drastically widening inequalities.
Mr Joseph Asamoah Munoo, Regional Chairman of TUC, corroborating the Union’s concerns, commended the Government for the progress made in stabilising the country’s economy.
However, he said, “Inflation is down. The Cedi is steadier. But stability is not the destination. You cannot take stability to the market as our people need jobs, better pay and lasting livelihoods.”
He said economic growth must focus on factories, not just figures in Accra, adding “Jobs must mean decent work, social security, health insurance and a living wage, not contracts.
To him, livelihood must mean youth must find work in agriculture, and the 24-Hour economy to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Regional Minister, commended the tireless efforts of workers across the region while issuing a passionate call to action on environmental stewardship.
He emphasised the urgent need for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness amid the growing waste pollution challenges engulfing the country.
The Minister also rallied workers to join the fight against illegal mining, deforestation, and their devastating ripple effects on climate change.
He highlighted how those activities had led to severe water contamination, loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to flooding and erratic weather patterns, threatening livelihoods in agriculture, fishing, and cocoa farming.
“Our region’s future depends on us,” Mr Eduamoah declared, urging workers to report illegal operations, participate in reforestation drives, and promote sustainable practices in their communities.
He assured government support through enforcement teams and awareness campaigns to amplify these efforts.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Linda Asante Agyei
isaac.arkoh.gna.org.gh