The President has paid glowing tribute to Ghanaian workers on the occasion of this year’s May Day, hailing their tireless efforts and reaffirming his government’s commitment to sustainable development, decent work, and economic progress.
“Today is a special day for our gallant workers,” he declared in a message to mark the celebration. “On behalf of the people of Ghana, I celebrate your tireless efforts, dedication, and contributions to our progress as a country and people.”
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Striving for peace and stability to drive industrialisation, trade, and decent work for social justice.” The President said the theme highlights a critical national imperative: “the need to implement policies to ensure sustainable development and the realisation of decent work and wages for all Ghanaians.”
He underscored the vital role of Ghanaian workers in nation-building, describing them as “the engine of our economy, the builders of our infrastructure, and the innovators who propel us forward.”
“I am, therefore, committed to creating a supportive environment that allows you to thrive and help Reset Ghana,” the President added.
Highlighting recent government actions, he noted that over the past four months, measures have been put in place to stabilise the economy and drive industrialisation. These include efforts to add value to raw materials and expand job opportunities in light industries, manufacturing, and other sectors.
“We are also working to strengthen our trade relationships, both regionally and internationally, to open new markets for the export of Ghanaian goods and services by implementing various economic initiatives, including the 24-hour economy,” he said.
As part of his administration’s 120-day social contract, the President pledged to ensure decent work for all, promising “fair wages, safe working conditions, opportunities for training and skills development, and the protection of workers’ rights.”
He pointed to new initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Programme, launched just a day prior by the National Youth Authority, and other ongoing interventions such as the Adwumawura and One Million Coders programmes. These, he said, are designed to create sustainable employment for the country’s youth.
“Government is committed to strengthening our labour laws, enforcing occupational safety and health regulations, and promoting social dialogue between employers and employees,” he assured.
Whiles acknowledging challenges like inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, the President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to address them head-on.
“We are investing in education and skills training to equip our workforce with the necessary tools to succeed in a modern economy. We are working to improve our infrastructure, including roads and energy, to facilitate trade and economic growth,” he stated.
He ended his address with a call for unity and collaboration: “Let us all, employers and employees, commit to fostering a spirit of collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect. Let us work together to create a more prosperous and equitable Ghana.”