The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has issued a clarion call to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to prioritize competence and strategic acumen in his ministerial appointments, particularly for the crucial portfolios of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, and Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry. These ministries, according to GFL Secretary General Abraham Koomson, are the linchpins of Ghana’s industrial revival and overall economic growth, holding the key to the successful implementation of the national development agenda. Mr. Koomson’s appeal comes in the wake of President Mahama’s decision to streamline the government, reducing the number of ministries from 30 to 23, a move lauded as a significant step towards enhanced efficiency and reduced administrative costs. While welcoming this restructuring, the GFL emphasizes the need to move beyond political patronage and prioritize merit in selecting individuals to lead these critical ministries.
The GFL’s call for competence underscores the importance of these two ministries in driving Ghana’s economic engine. The Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment plays a vital role in shaping labour policies, fostering job creation, and ensuring a conducive environment for workers’ rights and welfare. Its counterpart, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, is responsible for promoting domestic and international trade, supporting the growth of agribusiness, and driving industrial development. The GFL argues that appointing skilled and experienced leaders to these positions will be crucial for developing and executing effective policies that can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve the living standards of Ghanaians. The success of these ministries is intrinsically linked to the nation’s overall development trajectory.
Mr. Koomson’s appeal directly addresses the concern of potential appointments based on political affiliations or personal loyalties, a practice he contrasts with the need for demonstrable competence and a proven track record in the respective fields. He emphasizes that the individuals chosen for these roles should possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and dedication to effectively manage the complex challenges facing these sectors. By emphasizing merit-based appointments, the GFL seeks to ensure that the individuals leading these critical ministries are equipped to develop and implement impactful policies that can truly benefit the nation and its people.
The GFL has also expressed strong support for the 24-Hour Economy Policy, a flagship initiative aimed at boosting economic activity and creating employment opportunities. Mr. Koomson specifically commended the appointment of Goosie Tanoh as Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, recognizing his expertise and experience as valuable assets to the program’s success. The policy’s potential to generate jobs and address workers’ concerns aligns with the GFL’s core mandate, making its successful implementation a priority for the federation. This initiative holds significant promise for revitalizing the economy and improving the livelihoods of workers, and the GFL is urging the government to dedicate the necessary resources and support to ensure its effectiveness.
However, the GFL also highlights the significant pressure on union leaders from workers seeking tangible action on job creation and economic improvement. The aftermath of the banking sector cleanup, which resulted in job losses and economic hardship for many, has created a sense of urgency and heightened expectations. The GFL emphasizes the need for the government to address these concerns promptly and decisively, restoring hope and demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The federation acts as a voice for workers and the unemployed, conveying their anxieties and expectations to the government.
The GFL’s call for action resonates with the broader sentiment among Ghanaians, who are looking for concrete steps towards economic recovery and job creation. The federation’s emphasis on merit-based appointments and the successful implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Policy reflects the hopes and aspirations of workers and the unemployed, who are seeking tangible improvements in their lives. The GFL urges the government to act swiftly and decisively, recognizing that the time for rhetoric is over and the time for action is now. The federation’s message underscores the importance of prioritizing the needs of the people and delivering on the promises made during the election campaign. The GFL’s call to action is not just a plea for improved governance but a reflection of the anxieties and hopes of ordinary Ghanaians, who are looking for a brighter future.
