Workers roar over living wage, CJ’s removal, dismissals, pensions others

Demands for a living wage, growing unease over the ongoing process to remove the Chief Justice, the worsening menace of illegal mining (galamsey), poor pensions and the termination of public sector appointments dominated the concerns of workers during the 2025 May Day celebrations across the country.
Workers expressed deep dissatisfaction with these pressing issues and called on President John Dramani Mahama to take bold and decisive action.
This year’s May Day celebrations under the theme “Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana – The Role of Stakeholders,” became a powerful rallying point for public sector workers to air their frustrations.
Speaking at the national celebration, Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Bernard Owusu, did not mince words.

Deteriorating working conditions
He called on President Mahama to urgently address the “deteriorating conditions” that workers face.
“Our pay and working conditions are worsening. The wage situation in Ghana has deteriorated since your last administration,” Mr. Owusu declared.
He outlined how inflation over the past four years had severely eroded real wages, resulting in increased inequality across the public and private sectors.

Poor pensions
The pension system, he added, is no better.
“The minimum monthly pension is GH¢396.58, while the highest is GH¢21,792.73.
“This is not the outcome workers envisaged under the three-tier workers’ scheme,” he said, describing the disparity as “unacceptable.”
In response, President Mahama assured workers of his government’s resolve to implement a more equitable wage regime.
“We are committed to ensuring decent work for all citizens,” he said.
“That means fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for development,” he added

Demand for living wage
A central demand from Organised Labour this year was the replacement of the national minimum wage with a living wage—an amount sufficient for workers to meet basic living standards.
Union leaders, Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC and Mr. Owusu, as well as Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary, Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), emphasised that anything short of this would amount to systemic neglect of the workforce.

Emoluments Commission to examine wage structures
President Mahama acknowledged this demand and reiterated his commitment to convening a broad-based Emoluments Commission to examine wage structures.
“Our national reset cannot succeed without labour at the table,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations would become a hub for regular tripartite dialogue among the government, employers, and labour.
He also promised a comprehensive review of the Labour Act, aimed at ensuring better protection of workers’ rights, particularly those vulnerable to exploitation or dismissal for union activity.

Public sector job terminations spark outcry
The recent termination of appointments of public sector workers stirred strong emotions during the celebrations.
Calling for an amnesty for workers affected by recent terminations, Mr. Owusu urged the administration to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“A genuine reset must be marked by passion, inclusion, and fairness,” he emphasized.
Mr. Owusu also referenced the ongoing unemployment of workers from Asogli, describing it as emblematic of a broader issue: mass terminations without due process or consideration for livelihoods.
“Our brothers from Asogli are still at home. We ask that the president bring them back to work,” he pleaded.
President Mahama responded with empathy and reassurance. “We understand the pain caused by job loss, and we are committed to reabsorbing affected workers where possible and creating new opportunities through our job creation interventions,” he said.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Adwumawura programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme, which aim to create tens of thousands of jobs annually.
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has challenged the legality of terminating or transferring heads of public institutions when a new President assumes office.
Speaking at CLOGSAG’s 2025 May Day Thanksgiving Service Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary said the Association said its review of the Presidential Transition Act 2012 (Act 845) found no provision authorising the President to terminate or transfer public officers, including Chief Executive Officers and Chief Directors.

Concerns over removal of CJ met with caution
Beyond economic grievances, Organised Labour used the May Day platform to urge President Mahama to tread carefully in the process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
At least three petitions are currently under review, and the suspension of the Chief Justice has stirred national debate about the implications for judicial independence and democratic governance.
Mr Ansah, Secretary-General of the TUC, warned that the president’s decisions on this matter could set a dangerous precedent.
“We advise Mr. President to hasten slowly and proceed cautiously. Your decision will be consequential for our democracy,” he said.
President Mahama responded by affirming his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and due process. “We will not act rashly or with political motivation.
Any such process must respect the tenets of justice and transparency,” he said, without elaborating on a final decision.

Worsening galamsey
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, remains another major concern raised by labour.
Despite past promises, Organised Labour accused successive governments of failing to decisively address the environmental and health havoc caused by illegal mining.
“Mr. President, this issue sets our country and its democracy on a slippery slope,” Mr Ansah noted.
President Mahama used the platform to reaffirm his resolve. “The fight against galamsey is a complex one. I did not promise to end it in four months. Yet we will not give up,” he said.
He cited the involvement of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the anti-galamsey campaign and promised ongoing enforcement to curb environmental degradation.

A national reset anchored on labour
Throughout his address, President Mahama struck a conciliatory and forward-looking tone.
He emphasized that Ghana’s national reset would only be meaningful if workers were empowered, protected, and involved in policy formulation.
He outlined government initiatives to strengthen labour protections, promote social dialogue, and reform technical education to align with the job market.
These include the 24-Hour Economy Policy to stimulate productivity and job creation, the One Million Coders Programme to equip youth with digital skills and infrastructure investments in energy and roads to spur industrial growth.
“From Wa to Aflao, from Bole to Keta, every Ghanaian must have an equal shot at a meaningful life,” he said.
“You are the engine of our economy, and this government will support you to thrive.”
As May Day 2025 concluded, it was clear that while tensions between labour and government remain, both sides recognise the critical role of cooperation.
For President Mahama, delivering on the ambitious pledges would very well define his legacy—and Ghana’s future.
By ELVIS DARKO, Accra