Morgan Ayawine
The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Morgan Ayawine, has called on the government to ensure that recent economic improvements translate into tangible benefits for workers across the country.
In his 2026 May Day message, Mr. Ayawine noted that while the annual occasion is often used to celebrate solidarity and achievements, it remains a critical moment for workers to demand fair compensation and improved living standards.
“Year in and year out, we have celebrated this occasion primarily to demonstrate solidarity and, above all, to demand recognition and commensurate reward for our labour in order to improve our standard of living,” he stated.
He emphasised that despite the sacrifices made by Ghanaian workers in contributing to national development and economic growth, outcomes remain elusive.
“This dream seems perpetually elusive, as the harder we labour and sacrifice, the more distant the realisation of our economic goals and prosperity appears,” he said.
Mr. Ayawine called for a review of the country’s economic systems to identify the root causes of persistent challenges.
“This calls for an urgent post-mortem to diagnose the causes of the nation’s persistent economic setbacks, despite our rich endowment of human capital and natural resources,” he noted.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, he urged authorities to ensure that macroeconomic gains lead to real improvements in the lives of ordinary workers.
“There is no doubt that the government has achieved some level of success in the macroeconomic areas. While these gains, widely touted as indicators of positive economic growth, are commendable, the government must strategise to ensure that such improvements translate into a better standard of living for the working class.
“Many workers are still grappling with the high cost of living, including rent, water, electricity, transport, and basic food items,” he pointed out.
The ICU General Secretary further appealed for diversified strategies to create sustainable jobs, stressing that economic stability alone is insufficient to secure livelihoods.
“Macroeconomic stability alone does not guarantee sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting government efforts to rebuild the economy but stressed that responsibility ultimately lies with policymakers.
“We will continue to play our part; however, the onus lies on the managers of the economy to deliver on their mandate,” he said.
Mr. Ayawine also commended employers who have shown understanding of workers’ challenges, while cautioning against unfair labour practices such as precarious employment.
“Employers who engage in unfair labour practices must desist and ensure fairness and equity,” he urged.
He urged workers to remain resilient despite current economic hardships.
“Do not despair, but remain courageous and resilient; there is always a silver lining at the end of every tunnel,” he concluded.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong