Austin Gamey, a prominent Labour Expert, has highlighted the government’s failure to include labour unions in crucial decision-making processes as a key factor behind Ghana’s escalating labour unrest.
Speaking on ABC News GH, Gamey emphasized that the absence of inclusivity contributes to a sense of irrelevance among workers. He asserted, “It’s about inclusion.
In the absence of inclusion, people will find themselves to be irrelevant.” He stressed that Ghana’s leaders have not adhered to the constitutional mandate to provide inclusive governance, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.
Dr. Fred Oduro, a governance expert, on the same issue added that election years often amplify these tensions as unions seize the opportunity to push for better conditions.
“Election year presents the best possible times for unions to agitate for better conditions of societies,” Oduro noted.
His comments come amid a surge of nationwide strikes in 2024, with unions demanding improved wages, working conditions, and a halt to the sale of public assets.
The Trades Union Congress, for instance, has threatened a nationwide strike over the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis.
As the December elections approach, labour unions continue to escalate their actions, including a nationwide strike announced by the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG).
The association’s decision reflects frustration over the government’s failure to meet long-standing demands for better working conditions.
With strikes affecting various sectors, the government faces mounting pressure to address these issues while balancing their political prospects in the lead-up to the elections.
