The President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. John Agyekum Kufuor, today participated in the May Day celebration and addressed organized labour in Accra. (Full text of his speech).

It is a pleasure for me to join you the gallant workers of this country, this morning to celebrate this year?s ?MAY DAY,? I am most grateful for the invitation.

As we are all aware, May Day is celebrated worldwide to honour and recognize the contribution of labour, not only as a factor of production, but also, as a key partner in the socio-economic development of nations. It is also a day set aside for workers to renew their commitment to work harder, to improve their living conditions and uplift their nations.

May Day is therefore an appropriate occasion to acknowledge the crucial role which organize labour has played during the past four years to promote government?s vision of deepening the nation?s democracy, rebuilding the economy, and creating a peaceful, prosperous and humane society.

Naturally there have been some differences, over content and approach to implementation of some policies, but no matter the level of disagreement, the actions of both government and Organized Labour have been guided by their common resolve to work hard to make Ghana a happy place for both Ghanaians and their foreign guests.

On this occasion the government and entire society acknowledge the immense contribution of the gallant workers for Ghana ?We salute you and we say AYEEKOO.?

The theme for this year?s celebrations is, ?UNITY OF PURPOSE UNDER FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION; THE ROLE OF ORGANISED LABOUR, and I say it is very appropriate for the times.

With the enactment of the new Labour Law in 2003, the labour landscape has changed significantly. Various competing labour organizations have emerged and workers now have the choice to join labour unions of their preference. If poorly managed, this freedom of association could possibly undermine the unity of purpose which has hitherto been characteristic of Organised Labour in Ghana.

The Law is however, not aimed at promoting unhealthy competition. Rather, it has been framed within the spirit of the national Constitution, to promote democracy and freedom of association on the labour front. It is also to enable the various Unions to perform their core function of protecting the interest of their members more effectively.

Of course, behind this stated objective must be the assumption of unity of purpose to work in the interest of the individual worker, and also, for the development of the nation.

My friends and fellow workers, we must however, know that, unhappily, freedoms also tend to bear the seeds of their own destruction. Thus, sometimes, the natural desire to survive in a competitive diversified environment can drive individuals or group of persons to throw caution and good reason to the wind and pursue parochial interest above the common good. This is an inherent danger that all of us must guard against both in the labour front and in national politics.

For opportunistic pursuit of freedom without due sense of responsibility invariably degenerates into unforeseen chaos. These are worst enemies of natural integrity and development. Fortunately, Organised Labour has come a long way and has survived even the most turbulent periods of our history. It is expected to continue to thrive, especially with today?s liberal atmosphere, which must be harnessed to enhance productivity and the continuous development of the nation.

This way, the working force can claim commensurate returns on their labour. You can only share when there is something to share. So let?s resolve to be as productive as possible .Government will not unduly exploit labour. Let me therefore entreat Organised Labour to guard against any tendency toward unhealthy rivalries and intolerance of divergent opinions within their ranks. The old saying is that, ?A house divided against itself cannot stand.?

Fellow workers, I must use this occasion to remind the entire nation of the need to be one. So I repeat: Let us as citizens whether in labour or politics exercise due sense of unity in our conduct and pronouncement. I assure you that on its part, government will continue its policy of open administration and broad consultation with the National Labour Commission and National Tripartite Committee and the leadership of organized labour to ensure continued and enhanced harmony.

At this point, Ladies and gentlemen, let us now address some of the issues which are agitating the minds of sections of our community:

First and probably topmost on all our minds, is the recent unavoidable increase in the prices of petroleum products. Government acknowledges the accompanying discomfort to the people, and within the constraints of this year?s budget, has introduced some cushioning measures.

It is very unfortunate that our adversaries are making political of such an important national issue. I wish to repeat that the decision was not lightly taken.

Closely linked to the fuel price hikes is the on-going deregulation of the petroleum sector. The deregulation of the sector is expected to finally lift the load of subsidizing its products, from the economy. It is an important part of the process of streamlining the economy and will ultimately benefit the entire society.

Another major concern of our people is the plight of the street hawkers and sachet water producers many of whom believe they have been abandoned by government. This is far from the truth. But I must also state truthfully that, the congested streets and pavements and the unhygienic conditions of the cities and towns have assumed unacceptable proportions, and had to receive immediate and serious attention. v Government and society as a whole must however be mindful of the plight of those affected. In view of this, government has directed the District Assemblies to go into immediate and continuous consultation with the street hawkers and sachet water producers so that, together, they can try to accommodate each other and find enduring and acceptable solutions. I believe this is already ongoing.

Let me appeal to all Ghanaians, especially Organized Labour, to see these longstanding issues as national problems to be tackled not on the basis of opportunistic partisanship but rather on the basis of concerted national effort.

Fellow workers, this government is managing this nation efficiently, effectively, and with foresight, God willing, and with your continued supports, this year will see some major breakthroughs in the economy and also some changes in the day-to-day life of Ghanaians. One exciting example is in connection with VALCO.

I am happy to announce the reopening of the VALCO Smelter which is expected to start work by the 1st of July this year. This time things will be different. Government is involved as a stakeholder with ALCOA the world?s number one aluminum company as partner. This partnership has already secured a USD$30 million loan as working capital for the reactivation of the smelter.

The opening of the smelter is the first step in the implementation of the Integrated Aluminium Industry which the nation?s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, had envisioned but which somehow, eluded him. With God on our side and with resolute, united effort in four years we will reap benefits.

Workers of Ghana, I stand before you today as he head of a listening, caring government. A government committed to doing the right thing, and setting our nation on an irreversible trajectory to a brighter future. While I appeal to you for tolerance and the continued co-operation of all of you, as our social partners in the body politic, I also challenge you today to take up the challenge and believe in this government for a brighter future.

Take up the challenge to believe in this government, and the brighter future for our nation, which is gradually but surely coming. The whole world is saying so and we must lead the world in saying it.

But we must be realistic enough to appreciate the saying that ?Rome was not built in a day?. This acknowledgement will secure our belief in ourselves and the good fortune of our nation. So let us close our ranks and focus on the business on hand ? despite the stiff challenges that face not only us, but many other countries, as a result of the rapidly changing global world.

This resolve is the only way that can lead us to our common goal of a peaceful prosperous and humane society.

I thank you and wish you a very happy May Day.