Labour to ensure the implementation of pension scheme

Hohoe, July 17, GNA - Mr Gordon Bodza, Industrial Relations Officer of the Volta Regional Council of Labour of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday said organized labour perceived attempts to delay the implementation of the national pension scheme as unfortunate.

He said organized labour would therefore do all it could to ensure that the implementation of the pension scheme was done this year, without any further delays.

Mr Bodza said this when he addressed workers' durbar of the Hohoe Municipal Local Council of Labour as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of TUC in Hohoe.

It was organized by the Local Council of Labour, Hohoe branch of PSWU under the auspices of the Hohoe Municipal Assembly.

He said pension issues formed crucial campaign concerns that determined political fortunes during elections globally.

Mr Bodza said it was essential that government recognized workers and organizations as viable partners capable of making valuable contributions to socio-economic policy formation at all levels, in line with the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Decent Work agenda.

He disclosed that half the world's workers lived on less than two dollars a day and called for concerted efforts from all actors towards checking the trend.

Mr Franklin C. Agamah, Chairman of Hohoe Municipal Council of Labour, called on stakeholders to facilitate action on the promulgation of the Legislative Instrument to make the National Pension law (ACT) 766 operational.

He said the new pension scheme allowed for flexibility and removed the monopoly being enjoyed by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

He urged workers to acquire more knowledge and avoid prejudices and misinformation.

Mr Victor Herman Condobrey, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, said his administration would create the enabling environment and the right partnership with major stakeholders to achieve rapid socio-economic development.

He said this would mean doing things the right way towards attaining a “Better Ghana,” which demanded commitment, hard work and sacrifice.

Mr Condobrey said his administration would prioritize healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, tourism, water and sanitation and fix the requisite infrastructure for economic growth.

He pledged to institute an award scheme for outstanding workers and organize end-of-year dinners to serve as motivation and enhance socialization.

GNA