The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has issued a stern warning against the escalating wave of criminal activities masquerading as political activism in the wake of the December 7th general elections. These criminal acts, which include the illegal seizure of state property and the forceful eviction of public officials from their rightful offices and residences, have been condemned by the GFL as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic foundations. The GFL’s Secretary General, Mr. Abraham Koomson, has urged security forces to take swift and decisive action against these perpetrators, emphasizing the importance of upholding law and order during this crucial transition period. He has also cautioned against associating these criminal elements with legitimate political parties, arguing that such generalizations unfairly tarnish the image of political organizations and provide a cloak of legitimacy for criminal behavior.
Mr. Koomson further criticized the tendency of certain media outlets to label these criminals as political party affiliates without providing concrete evidence. He argued that this practice not only legitimizes their unlawful actions but also hampers the ability of security forces to effectively address the issue. By portraying these individuals as party loyalists, the media inadvertently creates a narrative of politically motivated violence, which obscures the criminal nature of their actions and contributes to a culture of impunity. This blurring of lines between political activism and criminal behavior ultimately undermines the rule of law and weakens the very fabric of Ghana’s democracy. Mr. Koomson urged the media to exercise responsible journalism, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and avoiding harmful stereotypes that could further inflame tensions.
The GFL has expressed particular concern about the potential for state property to be looted or destroyed during this transition period, especially in light of the change in government. Mr. Koomson urged vigilance among labor unions within state organizations, emphasizing the need to protect public assets, including crucial documents, from potential theft or damage. He specifically highlighted the risk of corrupt officials attempting to destroy incriminating evidence by disposing of official documents during the handover of power. This concern underscores the importance of maintaining a robust system of checks and balances to prevent outgoing officials from engaging in such illicit activities.
Furthermore, Mr. Koomson underscored the critical role of workers in safeguarding state resources. He called on them to closely monitor politically exposed individuals, particularly chief executive officers and accounting officers, to prevent any tampering with state property or documents. This vigilance, he emphasized, is crucial to ensuring a smooth and transparent transition of power. He also cautioned against suspicious fire outbreaks, which are sometimes deliberately orchestrated to destroy vital documents and conceal evidence of corruption. This call for vigilance aligns with the GFL’s declaration of 2024 as an “action year” for labor, emphasizing the importance of unions actively protecting their rights and safeguarding public resources.
The GFL has also strongly condemned recent incidents of political violence, including the looting and destruction of state property by individuals often referred to as “foot soldiers.” Mr. Koomson categorized these actions as “criminally motivated” and urged the police to conduct thorough investigations, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is served. He emphasized that such acts of violence have no place in a democratic society and must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. He further highlighted the underlying factors that contribute to political violence, including partisan divisions, the spread of misinformation on social media, and the normalization of aggressive behavior. He urged Ghana to learn from global trends and proactively address these root causes to foster a culture of peace and tolerance.
As Ghana embarks on a new political chapter, Mr. Koomson’s message serves as a timely reminder of the paramount importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. He emphasized the vital role of a strong and united labor front in upholding these principles, reminding unions of their power under the Labour Act 2003 to resist unfair practices. He concluded by reiterating the GFL’s commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of all citizens, preserving state institutions and property, and upholding the democratic principles that underpin the nation. This call for unity and vigilance serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future.
