A rally has been held at the Independence square to commemorate this year’s May Day. All over the world, workers mark the day set aside for them with various kinds of programmes. The workers’ rally at the Independence Square was addressed by leaders of the Trades Union Congress including Secretary General Kwasi Adu Amankwah and President Kufuor.

Workers from various institutions including the banks, civil service and informal sector attended the rally.

The Trades Union Congress called for legislative backing for the enforcement of the national daily minimum wage. The union believes it is the best way to protect the vulnerable worker from exploitation by employers.

Mr Adu Amankwa said the real income of workers has declined significantly over the last decade despite the consistent 5 per cent growth in the Gross Domestic Product. He asked government to index wages and salaries to the rate of inflation to reduce the hardships brought about by increase cost of living. Mr. Adu Amankwah asked government to pay workers the dividends of good governance through better remuneration and improved working conditions.

The TUC Secretary General also deplored recent unilateral decisions taken by government. He enumerated instances where government failed to consult the Union and other civil society groups and called for better consultation on future decisions of government.

The TUC also questioned government’s decision to remove the ministry of employment from its cabinet status in the recent reshuffle.

In a May Day message, Employment Minister, Yaw Barimah praised workers for helping to sustain the economy through hard work and sacrifice. The minister urged workers to increase their productivity to guarantee better wages next year.

Vice President Aliu Mahama and senior government officials were also at the rally grounds.