Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called on political leaders to put aside internal power struggles and concentrate on delivering on their mandates to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Ye Pɛ Ahunu programme hosted by Nana Dogbe on May 30, 2026, Mr. Koomson expressed concern that too much attention is being devoted to political maneuvering and succession battles at a time when citizens are grappling with economic hardship, unemployment, and other pressing challenges.
According to him, political office is a temporary responsibility and leaders cannot afford to waste valuable time engaging in unnecessary divisions and competition for power. He stressed that every moment in government should be dedicated to addressing the needs of the people and advancing national development.
“Four years passes quickly. Every second and every minute counts. We do not have the luxury of wasting time on unnecessary political battles when people are looking to us for solutions,” he stated.
Mr. Koomson likened governance to a relay race, where success depends on teamwork and discipline. He argued that when individuals abandon their responsibilities to interfere with others or pursue personal interests, the entire nation suffers the consequences.
The veteran labour leader also warned that persistent internal conflicts within political parties and public institutions could undermine progress and create opportunities for opponents to exploit divisions. He urged leaders to remain focused on fulfilling the promises they made to the electorate rather than engaging in political infighting.
Drawing on his decades of experience in the trade union movement, Mr. Koomson said leadership should be measured by service and results rather than status or personal ambition. He recounted his rise through the ranks of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), where he served in various capacities before becoming a national executive.
He maintained that the true test of leadership lies in improving the welfare of citizens and creating opportunities for future generations. “Politics is about service to the people, not fighting for power. Leaders must focus on what they can do to improve lives and move the country forward,” he said.
Mr. Koomson concluded by urging political actors across the spectrum to place national interest above personal ambition and work together to address the challenges confronting the country.
Story by Stephen Owusu Mintah
