Massive participation in May Day parade in Koforidua

Koforidua, May 1, GNA - Thousands of workers from the various organisations of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) across the Eastern Region took part in this year's May Day parade in Koforidua.

Conspicuously missing from this year's parade, were the massive placards that normally bear inscriptions, which expresses the concerns and views of workers on national issues.

It was only the Ghana Highway Authority and the Volta River Authority (VRA) of the Public Services Workers Union that carried placards.

The few placards that were carried by read 'unauthorised speed rumps must stop, its killing us', 'Our road construction equipment are old, we need a replacement' and 'President, VRA needs your attention'.

One particular placard read 'workers dey work, politicians dey chop' while the Teacher and Education Workers Union and the VRA staff stole the show at the parade with hundreds of their staff taking part in the march past.

The Regional Minister, Mr Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere called on the labour unions and associations who control a large population of the Ghanaian workforce to explain government's measures being implemented to address the energy crisis to workers.

He indicated that measures such as increase in utility tariffs and load shedding are all gradual processes to address the energy crisis and 'our labour unions have major role to play in educating their workers and the… public at large on the need to accept some of these measures.' he said.

The Regional Minister said as a country, we could only build a strong and resilient economy if our productive forces are all well-engaged in meaningful employment.

Mrs Phyllis Agyemang, the Regional Secretary of the TUC, called on government to provide the leadership that would take the country out from the devastating energy crisis, which has led to high inflation and high cost of living.

GNA