Mahama has asked me to revise labour law to reflect your best working conditions – Labour Minister

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Rashid Pelpuo has assured Ghanaian workers that President John Mahama has their interests at heart.

He said as someone who has worked from the lowest to the highest level of Public Service, the President understands how they feel.

“In the history of this country, this is a president who started from Assembly Member, to MP, to deputy minister, Minister, vice president and president. He knows what your concerns are. That is why he has asked me to revise the labour law to reflect your best working conditions,” Dr Pelpuo disclosed.

He made the statement while addressing the May Day parade held at the Independence Square on May 1.

This year’s May Day celebration is under the theme “Striving for peace and stability to drive industrialisation, trade, and decent work for social justice.”

The Labour Minister said in the same spirit of concern for the Ghanaian worker, President Mahama has tasked him to champion the legalisation of the 24-hour economy policy.

“That is why he got involved in the negotiation of base pay. The President has asked me to revise the labour law to include 24-hour economy. To allow those who want to work abroad to do so in a meaningful way. to be paid accoring to what they have worked for,” the Minister stated.

For his part, President Mahama charged workers in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to speak up when they see any wrongdoing in their places of work.

He expressed concern that some SOEs that hitherto were making profits are now in debt.

The President’s comments were in reaction to a revelation by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on March 13 that GIHOC Distilleries has recorded losses in 2022 and 2023.

Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), the Finance Minister revealed that GIHOC Distilleries recorded a loss of GH?25.1 million in 2022 and a further GH? 25.5 million in 2023.

Addressing workers during the May Day parade at the Independence Square on May 1. President Mahama remarked, “How can you sell alcohol and be in debt?”

He added, “when i was president, GIHOC was making profit. Because Ghanaians, when we are happy, we drink alcohol, when we are sad, we drink alcohol, so how can an alcohol manufacturing company make losses?”

He therefore charged workers to work with all their strength and might to ensure profitability within the enterprises they work.

“Protect the enterprises you work at. When things are going wrong, don’t be afraid to point them out,” he said.

“Let us all, employers and employees, commit to fostering a spirit of collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect. Let us work together to create a more prosperous and equitable Ghana, where every citizen can contribute their talents and skills to national development,”  he noted.

He assured Ghanaian workers that the sacrifices they are making today will be rewarded.

“We will see better remuneration in the years ahead,” he said.

The President promised to reciprocate the sacrifices being made by Ghanaian workers.

“The sacrificing is for all of us. I will be modest, and I will expect all my employees to do same. My government is the government you have been looking for,” he assured.

Earlier in a Facebook post President Mahama praised the dedication and hard work of Ghanaian workers, acknowledging their vital role in the country’s progress.

He reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for workers to thrive as part of his broader plan to reset the nation’s development agenda.

“My government recognises and deep values, the pivotal role of the Ghanaian worker in driving our national development agenda. You are the engine of our economy, the builders of our infrastructure, and the innovators who propel us forward. I am, therefore, committed to creating a supportive environment that allows you to thrive and help Reset Ghana,” he stated.

The post Mahama has asked me to revise labour law to reflect your best working conditions – Labour Minister first appeared on 3News.

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