At an Extraordinary Delegates Congress of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) on July 23-24, 2024, the government of Ghana was urged to take necessary actions to save the country.
The congress focused on Ghana’s current economic crisis, the heavy tax burden on businesses, particularly in the manufacturing sector, and the depreciation of the Cedi, which threatens job sustainability as companies are moving to neighboring countries.
The GFL Delegates strongly opposed any plans by the government to introduce VAT on electricity and demanded the removal of certain taxes, such as the Covid-19 levy, which they deemed unnecessary.
They called on the government to show a commitment to improving fiscal discipline through more realistic expenditure cuts and to avoid the temptation of introducing new projects in this election year.
The delegates also urged the government to control inflation and stabilize the local currency to restore confidence among investors.
They expressed concern over the destruction of farmlands and water bodies due to irresponsible mining practices and called for more responsible mining under strict monitoring instead of legalized galamsey disguised as community mining.
Additionally, the GFL Delegates described the current unemployment rate as a serious threat to the peace and security of the country and emphasized the need for immediate action.
Regarding the upcoming December elections, the GFL Delegates urged the Electoral Commission, the Police Administration, and the National Security Task force to ensure free, fair, and credible elections to strengthen Ghana’s democratic gains.
They concluded that Ghana is at a crossroads, and a peaceful outcome of the December 7, 2024, elections could reduce tensions, alleviate growing anxiety, and address high levels of polarization. This, in turn, could pave the way for stabilizing the economy and achieving transformational growth.
The resolutions from the GFL’s Extraordinary Congress were made at the Health Services Workers Union Hospitality Centre in Tema Community 4.
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Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com
