GFL urges NPP Minority to avoid sabotage and support national development and constructive debate

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has called on the Minority in Parliament and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to refrain from actions and commentary that could undermine government programmes and national development efforts.

Speaking in an interview with Modern Ghana News in Tema on Wednesday, the Secretary General of the GFL, Mr Abraham Koomson, said democratic governance thrives on constructive and progressive opposition rather than actions that seek to obstruct government initiatives.

“The tenets of good governance and democratic development make room for progressive and dynamic opposition and not an antagonistic, egoistic, and self-righteous opposition that is working to derail the progress of the government,” he stated.

“Ghana needs accelerated development, and all stakeholders must work effectively for the transformation of the nation.”

Mr Koomson criticised what he described as persistent attacks by the Minority on President John Dramani Mahama's 24 Hour Economy Policy, arguing that such criticisms have largely focused on politics rather than objective assessment of the policy's potential benefits.

According to him, attempts to portray the initiative as unsuccessful before its full implementation could undermine public confidence in a policy aimed at revitalising Ghana's manufacturing sector and creating employment opportunities.

The labour leader rejected assertions that the policy has stalled, insisting that such claims fail to appreciate the scale of reforms required to transform the country's productive sectors.

“Let us be frank. This government inherited an economy battered by years of neglect, high debt, and weak industrial capacity orchestrated during the eight-year rule of the NPP's former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia,” he said.

“To pretend that a 24-hour economy can be switched on in twelve months is either dishonest or ignorant of how production systems work. I have worked in industry, and I know it takes time, planning, and investment.”

Mr Koomson maintained that Parliament should focus on strengthening policy implementation through constructive oversight rather than engaging in what he described as premature condemnation.

“The Minority must stop the sabotage by words. Criticism is welcome in a democracy, but it must be constructive. Constantly declaring the policy dead before it is implemented only creates fear among investors and uncertainty for workers. That is not opposition, that is obstruction,” he stated.

He commended the Mahama administration for establishing a dedicated secretariat to coordinate the implementation of the 24 Hour Economy Policy, describing the move as a necessary structural intervention to address longstanding productivity challenges.

From the perspective of organised labour, Mr Koomson said the policy is intended to create conditions that support continuous production, increase employment opportunities, and improve productivity while safeguarding workers' rights.

He argued that a well structured 24 hour economy would maximise the use of existing infrastructure, increase output, and create jobs without requiring immediate large scale capital investments.

The GFL Secretary General further stressed the importance of placing manufacturing at the centre of the initiative, noting that expanding production and adding value to locally produced raw materials remain critical to reducing Ghana's dependence on exporting unprocessed commodities.

“It could take more than four years to fully establish a sustainable and effective 24 hour economy. That is the reality of industrial transformation. Rome was not built in a day, and Ghana's industrial base will not be rebuilt by press conferences,” he said.

Mr Koomson urged the Minority to move beyond blanket criticism and contribute ideas that would strengthen the implementation of the policy.

He added that organised labour remains prepared to work with government to ensure that any expansion in working hours is accompanied by fair remuneration, safe working environments, and respect for labour rights.

“Ghanaians are tired of politics that puts party above progress. Give this policy the time to work, monitor it honestly, and hold government accountable where it falls short. But do not kill the hope of workers and manufacturers with premature attacks,” he said.

The GFL believes the 24 Hour Economy Policy should be viewed as a long-term industrial strategy rather than a political project, requiring patience, discipline, accountability, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

According to the federation, as implementation begins, equal attention must be paid to ensuring that the policy delivers quality jobs, stronger industries, and meaningful benefits for working Ghanaians.