This year’s May Day celebration in the Western Region was marked by strong calls for improved worker welfare and a renewed push for development initiatives, as labour leaders demanded the adoption of a living wage while government highlighted plans to expand healthcare and economic opportunities.
The Western and Western North Regional Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Samuel Polley, led calls for government to move beyond the current minimum wage framework and adopt a living wage system that reflects the true cost of living and guarantees dignity for workers.
“While government may have made efforts towards achieving macroeconomic stability, the critical questions remain: how does this impact the everyday life of workers? Does this translate into decent jobs for our teeming unemployed youth?” he questioned.
Mr Polley maintained that sustainable livelihoods and decent work must be the true indicators of economic progress, urging authorities to ensure that growth translates into tangible benefits for workers.
“We, as workers, respectfully call on government to move beyond the concept of minimum wages and work towards the implementation of living wages—wages that fairly meet the cost of living and ensure dignity for all workers,” he appealed.
The concerns raised by organised labour resonated strongly with the theme for the 2026 celebration, “Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond Macroeconomic Stability,” which underscored the need for inclusive growth and job creation.
Addressing the gathering, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson described the occasion as more than a ceremonial event, but a moment to recognise the contribution of workers across all sectors.
“To every worker in the formal and informal sectors… I say on behalf of Government and the people of the Western Region—Ayekoo! Well done,” he said, extending greetings on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Regional Coordinating Council, and traditional authorities.
The Minister stressed that macroeconomic stability must translate into real improvements in people’s lives. “Stability must translate into jobs. Stability must translate into increased productivity. Stability must translate into improved incomes, business expansion, industrial activity, and sustainable livelihoods for ordinary workers and their families,” he stated.
He emphasised that economic recovery would only be meaningful if workers experienced it in the form of decent employment, secure incomes and improved working conditions.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives in the region, Mr Nelson pointed to expanded round-the-clock operations at the Port of Takoradi, efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education through the Ghana TVET Service and Takoradi Technical University, and investments in infrastructure, small and medium-scale enterprises, and market access.
“True growth is measured by the number of decent jobs created, by the security of the worker, by the fairness of wages paid, and by the hope a family has for tomorrow,” he added.
The Minister also acknowledged concerns among workers, including low remuneration, rising living costs, occupational risks and job insecurity, and called for sustained dialogue between stakeholders to address these challenges.
He urged employers in both the public and private sectors to uphold labour standards, stressing that “workers are not expendable tools; workers are development partners.”
At the same time, Mr Nelson encouraged workers to match demands for improved conditions with discipline, punctuality, integrity and productivity, noting that the evolving global economy requires adaptability and technological readiness.
He directed a strong message to the youth, urging them to invest in skills and innovation to remain competitive in the future job market. “The jobs of tomorrow will reward skill, creativity, technology and enterprise. Your hands and your minds are your greatest capital,” he said.
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