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PSWU threatens nationwide strike over unpaid allowances to Centre for Culture Centre workers

  Thu, 15 May 2025
Social News PSWU threatens nationwide strike over unpaid allowances to Centre for Culture Centre workers
THU, 15 MAY 2025

The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike if it fails to settle long-standing allowances owed to staff of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) and other affiliated institutions under the Single Spine Pay Structure.

Union leaders say the delay in payment has become a major impediment to the effective operations of the CNC, which plays a key role in promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage and supporting the country’s creative and tourism industries.

Speaking at the 4th Quadrennial Divisional Delegates Conference of the CNC in Kumasi, PSWU’s Deputy General Secretary, John Sampah, and outgoing Divisional Chairman, Isaac Mensah, called on the government to act without further delay.

“CNC is one of the institutions that we have not secured our allowances. We went on strike, and they asked us to hold on after the 2024 general elections. We’re urging the government to attend to those who don’t have allowances yet. If we delay, that is what will push the workers to go on the streets. If nothing is done, we will do what we know how to do best,” Mr. Sampah stated.

The Centre for National Culture is a flagship institution under the PSWU responsible for nurturing Ghana’s cultural identity through music, dance, arts, and crafts. Yet, the union insists that the morale of workers continues to erode due to the government’s failure to honour its compensation obligations under the pay structure.

During the conference, the Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture also spoke on the need to boost Ghana’s cultural and tourism appeal. He emphasised the importance of ongoing projects like the Black Star Experience in enhancing job creation and sustaining the country’s tourism industry.

“Black Star Experience is not just for celebration’s sake, it’s also geared at job creation. Government is a continuum; there’s no way the National Democratic Congress will jettison all that the New Patriotic Party did while in office, but rather we’re building on it,” he said.

The conference, themed “Resetting the Centres for National Culture for the Black Star Experience: The Role of the Union,” brought together cultural workers and union representatives who pledged to intensify advocacy until the outstanding allowances are paid.

With tensions mounting, the PSWU says industrial action remains a last resort, but one they will not hesitate to pursue if the government fails to act.

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