The excitement and funfair that are often associated with Maydays were absent during the Upper West Regional version of the workers’ day marked at the Jubilee Park in Wa. Some workers the GBC spoke to at the rally indicated that they are not enthused about the day as a result of the economic hardships they are experiencing.
Early on, a route march was held through some principal streets of Wa with placards. The texts on the placards included “No More 4%and 7% Increment”, We Need Accommodation Allowance Now”, and “Workers Need Befitting Pensions”.
Addressing the workers the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, Peter Maala who stood in for the Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih entreated workers to redouble their efforts to productivity in all sectors of the economy.
He emphasized that it is only through increased productivity that the wages and living standards could be improved. Mr. Maala said a number of business owners have complained of a lack of commitment on the part of employees leading to poor performance of their business.
He, therefore, charged organised labour to continue to advocate higher productivity among workers so that when businesses succeed, it will automatically reflect in the living standards of employees and also lead to the economic growth of the country.
The Acting Upper West Regional Secretary of TUC, Brother Godwin Gariba pointed out that “ordinarily, our workers should be happy on May Day, but they are not happy because of the hardships they and their families have had to endure in the last two years or so. Mr. Gariba appealed to the President to take the cost of living into account and grant a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) of at least 20℅ to all Public Sector Workers including the Security Agencies.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wa, Alhaji Tahiru Issshaku Moomen paid tribute to workers for working assiduously to transform Upper West since its creation in 1983.
Nine deserving workers were honored at a ceremony dedicated to Union activities in the region.
They included Sisters Henrietta Ananga, Beatrice Dakura, and Lydia Osman Sa-Adatu. Others were, Brothers Annang Benifred Afortey, Mumuni Hakeem, Issah Issahaku, Opoku Amankwa Emmanuel, Pascal Meguol Dery, and Naa Ingah Alfred.
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