Govt to consider workers interest before sale of houses.

Axim (W/R) May 1, GNA Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has commended Ghanaian workers for their immense contribution, which has ensured the economic development of the country.

He said the government and the working population of the country achieved present per capita income, which stands at 5.2 per cent. Mr. Aidoo said these at the Western Regional Celebration of May Day at Axim in the Nzema east District on the theme: "Social Protection and Economic development-The role of Organised Labour".

He said government would take the interest of workers into consideration before selling low cost houses to sitting tenants, to ensure that those posted to the regions and districts do not suffer. Mr. Aidoo said the Ministry of Works and Housing, had acquired lands in all regional capitals, while the documentation, planning scheme and designs are in progress.

He said government would raise both domestic and external capital to provide infrastructural services before making the plots available to developers.

Mr. Aidoo charged workers to improve on their individual performances to create wealth for the country and reduce poverty.

He said poverty could be reduced if everyone offers his or her maximum contribution towards the achievement of the government goal.

"You must re-dedicate yourselves, be disciplined, devoted and emulate the devoted and hardworking men and women' he added.

In and address read on behalf of Mr. Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) by Mr. Michael A. B. Quarm, regional secretary of the TUC called on the government to service all plots for the new housing scheme to bring the cost down.

He said organised labour would collaborate with the government in the implementation of policies that focus on the national mobilization of local resources and talent for the sustainable development of the country.

"We are also ready to mobilize internally to support the government to resist policy impositions of the International Financial Institutions. Mr. Amankwa said the passage of the new labour act raises several challenges for the Ghanaian workers and organised labour as well as for employers and the government.

"We also call for the understanding and goodwill in working for the implementation of the new law in a manner that would promote worker protection, interests and contribute to a better understanding of the workers nationwide.

Seventeen workers who have served in various capacities in the various unions were presented with certificates and sound systems.