Accra, Ghana — The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has registered a strong protest against what it describes as the “unilateral and disrespectful conduct” of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) during the 2025 May Day Parade held in Accra.
In a formal letter addressed to TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah, GFL Secretary General Abraham Koomson expressed the Federation’s deep disappointment at being sidelined during the national labour celebration.
The GFL, a recognised stakeholder in Ghana’s organised labour front, says its voice was completely ignored in speeches and programming during the event.
Exclusion and Lack of Consultation
According to the GFL, key speeches delivered by the TUC leadership failed to capture the collective concerns of all labour bodies, particularly the GFL.
“As a key player in the labour movement, GFL’s input and concerns were conspicuously absent from the address, a situation we find deeply offensive and unacceptable,” the letter stated.
The Federation also criticised public remarks made concerning the ongoing controversy involving the Chief Justice, noting that no prior consultation was held among organised labour leaders.
The GFL described the comment as “premature, presumptuous, and inconsistent with the principles of due process.”
Concerns Over Political Interpretation
While reaffirming its commitment to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), the GFL warned that public statements on such matters must be made through consensus.
The group said the TUC’s independent remarks could be misinterpreted as politically motivated and risk undermining the credibility of the labour movement.
“The uncoordinated remarks made at the parade risk being interpreted as politically inciting, especially against a Government that has shown clear commitment to addressing the galamsey menace,” the letter said.
Call for Unity and Accountability
The GFL also expressed concern over its exclusion from the official May Day programme, stating that it was not even invited to deliver a solidarity message—something it views as a symbolic dismissal of its role within the labour community.
To address these grievances and rebuild trust, the GFL has called for an urgent meeting of the interim Organised Labour Leadership before the end of May 2025.
The Federation stressed the need for inclusive, transparent, and principled collaboration moving forward.
“We reaffirm our commitment to unity within the labour movement,” the letter concluded, “but insist that respect, consultation, and transparency must guide our collective efforts.”
The Ghana Federation of Labour is a recognised affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), with its headquarters in Accra.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
