By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, May 1, GNA – Mr Akamugri Donatus Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Ghanaian workers through policies aimed at job creation, better working conditions and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the commemoration of this year’s May Day celebration in Bolgatanga, the Minister said the government remained focused on translating macroeconomic gains achieved over the past year into tangible benefits for workers across the country.
This year’s celebration was on the theme: “Pivoting to growth, jobs and sustainable livelihoods beyond macroeconomic stability: the role of Trade Unions”.
He noted that while stabilising the economy was crucial, the ultimate goal was to create jobs, improve incomes and ensure long-term livelihood security.
“The true test of economic progress lies in its ability to create jobs, improve incomes, and secure sustainable livelihoods for our people,” he stated.
Mr Atanga, praised Ghanaian workers for their resilience and contribution to national development, describing them as the driving force behind the country’s growth.
He highlighted measures taken by the government to ease economic pressures on workers, including a nine per cent increase in the national minimum wage and ongoing efforts to stabilise inflation and the exchange rate.
According to him, the government was also rolling out social interventions such as affordable housing schemes for public sector workers, including a teacher-focused housing initiative expected to deliver thousands of housing units nationwide.
The Minister further indicated that investments in infrastructure across sectors such as health and education were expected to create employment opportunities.
He explained that expanding facilities like Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and schools would require additional nurses and teachers, thereby addressing unemployment concerns.
Mr Atanga assured organised labour that government remained committed to protecting workers’ rights, promoting fair remuneration and ensuring safe working environments.
He emphasised that promotions and career progression should be based on merit rather than political considerations.
“As a government, we do not believe that people should be promoted based on political considerations. Advancement must be based on competence and hard work,” he stressed.
He also revealed plans to establish 24-hour economy markets across the districts to boost economic activity and create jobs, particularly for the youth.
The initiative, he said, would integrate markets with essential services such as banking, healthcare and security to support round-the-clock business operations.
In addition, the government is set to establish five agricultural mechanisation centres in selected districts within the Upper East Region to enhance productivity and create sustainable employment opportunities in farming communities.
Madam Scholastica Dery, the Upper East Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), who read a speech on behalf of Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, urged the government to do more to create jobs and improve the welfare of workers in the country.
She noted that unemployment was becoming a national security issue, and it was important for the government to work to ensure that it creates decent jobs for the youth.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
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