By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, May 1, GNA – Workers across Ghana arejoining the rest of the world on Friday to mark May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, a statutory public holiday dedicated to celebrating their contributions to national development.
The national event is being held in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, where President John Dramani Mahama is expected to address a parade of workers and trade unions later in the day.
May Day, commemorated globally on May 1, traces its origins to the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States, where workers demanded improved working conditions.
Over the years, it has evolved into an annual platform for organised labour to engage governments and employers on wages, welfare and the protection of workers’ rights.
In Ghana, the celebrations are marked by parades, speeches and policy discussions by organised labour, particularly the Trades Union Congress (TUC), alongside other worker groups in both the formal and informal sectors, highlighting the vital contributions of workers to national growth.
This year’s commemoration comes at a time when labour unions continue to press for improved working conditions, fair wages and stronger protection of workers’ rights, amid ongoing economic pressures.
At a recent engagement with President Mahama, organised labour called for the implementation of a comprehensive incomes policy to address disparities in wages and ensure fairness in compensation across the public sector.
Workers also raised concerns over the rising cost of living, pension sustainability, job security, and the need for improved occupational safety and health standards.
In response, President Mahama assured labour of government’s commitment to reforming the current pay structure through a new emoluments policy aimed at promoting equity, transparency and sustainability in public sector remuneration.
He said the proposed policy would streamline salary administration and reduce distortions within the existing system while ensuring that public sector workers are adequately compensated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr Kwabena NyarkoOtoo, in an interview, said workers were in high spirits despite the challenges, especially low wages, which he noted affected productivity.
He called on workers to remain united and actively defend their rights in the face of economic and workplace challenges.
He encouraged employers and the Government to engage constructively with labour unions to promote industrial harmony and national development.
The National House of Chiefs has also extended congratulations to Ghanaian workers, commending their resilience and contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.
The House urged employers, both public and private, to prioritise the welfare of workers by ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for labour rights.
As workers gather in Koforidua for the national parade, attention is expected to focus on key policy directions and commitments that will shape labour relations and economic productivity in the months ahead.
The commemoration comes amid ongoing discussions on economic recovery and public sector reforms, with stakeholders expressing hope that renewed engagement will lead to improved conditions of service for Ghanaian workers.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
1 May 2026
Reporter: Edward Acquah