TEMA, Ghana, 25 April: The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has announced his decision to scale back his participation in the 2026 May Day Parade, citing concerns about fairness, inclusivity, and the decision-making structure within organised labour.
Mr. Koomson, while acknowledging that preparations by the National May Day Planning Committee are at an advanced stage, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current arrangements for the celebration.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, April 25, 2026, he questioned the scope of the Planning Committee’s authority. According to him, the committee’s mandate should be limited to technical and administrative coordination, rather than extending into critical decision-making on key issues.
He argued that major decisions particularly those concerning leadership roles and the selection of speakers must be based on broad consensus across organised labour, instead of being determined within a narrow or exclusive structure.
Mr. Koomson further underscored the need for a more inclusive approach to organising national labour events, noting that Ghana’s labour landscape has evolved significantly since the enactment of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
He explained that while the Industrial Relations Act, 1965 previously recognised the Trades Union Congress (TUC) as the central voice of labour, the current legal framework acknowledges multiple labour centres operating within the broader organised labour system.
According to him, this shift demands that events such as May Day reflect shared ownership and equitable participation among all recognised labour groups.
The GFL Secretary-General also rejected the notion that decisions taken solely by unions affiliated with the TUC should be binding on independent unions and other labour centres. He insisted that such decisions must emerge from a more representative and collective process.
He revealed that an earlier agreement reached during an organised labour leadership meeting on Thursday, April 23, aimed at developing a more inclusive May Day programme bringing together the TUC, GFL, and other groups, including FORUM members such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, and Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana has not been honoured.
He noted that some executives of the TUC have maintained their position to lead and address the May Day ceremony, a stance he believes undermines efforts toward inclusivity.
While clarifying that his decision is not intended to disrupt the celebration, Mr. Koomson said the partial withdrawal is a deliberate move to draw attention to the need for fairness, legitimacy, and institutional balance within organised labour.
He attributed the current tensions to the actions of a few TUC executives, suggesting that their stance may stem from a limited interpretation of the law. However, he was quick to add that not all TUC leaders share this position.
Mr. Koomson reaffirmed his commitment to the unity of organised labour and expressed his willingness to continue engaging stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote a more inclusive and cohesive labour movement going forward.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW 👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotor online.com | Ghana 🇬🇭