TEMA, Ghana, 2nd May: Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has clarified the reasons behind the union’s decision to withdraw from the 2026 May Day celebrations, citing concerns over exclusion and procedural lapses in the planning process.
According to Mr. Koomson, the decision was primarily driven by what he described as the attitude of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in handling preparations for the national event.
He argued that the TUC continues to operate as though it remains the sole representative of Ghanaian workers, despite significant legal and structural changes within the labour landscape.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, May 2, Mr. Koomson noted that the legal framework governing labour relations in Ghana has evolved since the passage of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which was amended following recommendations by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
He explained that while the Industrial Relations Act of 1965 recognised the TUC as the central labour authority, the current law acknowledges multiple labour centres, each with equal legitimacy within the organised labour system.
Mr. Koomson criticised the TUC for what he described as a failure to comply with this framework, accusing the body of taking unilateral decisions without consulting other stakeholders.
“They still behave as though they are the only representatives of Ghanaian workers. Decisions are taken without broader consultation, and that is a major problem,” he stated.
The GFL Secretary-General further rejected the notion that decisions made solely by TUC-affiliated unions should be binding on independent unions and other labour organisations, insisting that national labour matters must be addressed through a more inclusive and representative process.
Despite the GFL’s absence, the 2026 May Day celebration went ahead at Jackson Park in Koforidua, where President John Dramani Mahama joined thousands of workers to mark the occasion.
Delivering the keynote address, the President outlined the government’s economic and labour priorities under the theme: “Pivoting to Growth, Jobs, and Sustainable Livelihoods: Resetting Ghana Beyond Macroeconomic Stability.”
The event brought together organised labour, government officials, and workers from across the country to reflect on Ghana’s economic outlook and the future of work.
Mr. Koomson disclosed that the GFL deliberately scaled back its participation and instead held a press conference on the same day to draw attention to pressing concerns within the labour sector.
Among the key issues raised was a reported directive to transition parts of the mining sector to contract mining.
He warned that such a move, if not carefully managed, could erode job security and undermine workers’ rights.
He stressed the need for urgent dialogue and broader stakeholder engagement, cautioning that failure to address these concerns could have serious implications for industrial harmony in the country.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
