The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), a prominent labor union in Ghana, has voiced its strong support for the President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama, and the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. The GFL has specifically emphasized the role of certain media houses and journalists in contributing to the NDC’s electoral victory. These media outlets, according to the GFL, remained loyal to the NDC despite facing alleged intimidation, sabotage, and threats from the outgoing administration. The GFL calls upon the incoming Mahama administration to recognize and reward these media entities for their unwavering support, particularly given the purported risks they faced in challenging the previous government. This appeal reflects the GFL’s conviction that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and that the media outlets played a crucial role in ensuring the NDC’s return to power.
The GFL, through its Secretary General, Mr. Abraham Koomson, commended the resilience and loyalty of these media houses and journalists. He underscored the significant sacrifices they made in supporting the NDC and President-Elect Mahama, often at great personal and professional cost. These sacrifices, according to Mr. Koomson, included facing threats, blackmail, dismissals, and even attempts to shut down their operations. The GFL believes that these media outlets and journalists were instrumental in holding the previous government accountable and informing the public, even in the face of what they perceived as attempts to suppress dissent. By acknowledging and rewarding these media entities, the GFL argues, the incoming administration would not only be recognizing their valuable contributions but also reinforcing the importance of a free press in Ghana’s democratic landscape.
Furthermore, the GFL expressed serious concerns about what it describes as attempts by the outgoing administration, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to stifle opposing voices, including journalists and media houses. The GFL has accused the outgoing administration of employing security operatives to intimidate political opponents and suppress dissent. This alleged intimidation, according to the GFL, created a hostile environment for free expression and threatened the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes. The GFL’s call for recognition of supportive media outlets is thus framed not only as a gesture of appreciation but also as a symbolic affirmation of the importance of a free press in holding power accountable.
Mr. Koomson also expressed strong criticism of the outgoing NPP administration’s governance, highlighting what he described as the hardships Ghanaians faced under their leadership. He characterized the NDC’s victory as a “judgment day” for the NPP, reflecting the electorate’s dissatisfaction with their performance. This strong condemnation of the previous administration’s performance underscores the GFL’s belief that the NPP’s policies and actions were detrimental to the well-being of Ghanaians. The GFL’s endorsement of the NDC thus reflects their hope for a change in direction and a renewed focus on the needs of the people.
The GFL Secretary General advocated for what he termed “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL),” an initiative aimed at holding corrupt officials in the outgoing government accountable. This call for accountability reflects the GFL’s concern about corruption within the previous administration. By demanding investigations and the recovery of allegedly misappropriated funds, the GFL aims to ensure that those responsible for any financial impropriety are held accountable and that public resources are used responsibly. This call for accountability aligns with the broader theme of good governance and responsible leadership advocated by the GFL.
Beyond expressing its optimism about the incoming NDC government, the GFL also called for vigilance and proactive measures to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions. Mr. Koomson urged President-Elect Mahama to prioritize national development and fulfill his campaign promises, emphasizing that the NDC should not become complacent but instead capitalize on the opportunity to address the needs of the people. He also called for a crackdown on individuals posing as political activists who were allegedly seizing state properties and evicting public officials. This call for decisive action reflects the GFL’s concern about potential threats to stability and the rule of law during the transition period. By urging the incoming administration to address these issues promptly, the GFL aims to ensure a smooth and peaceful transfer of power while safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
