The TUC noted the peculiar security situation in the Region, which compelled several workers within the Bawku area to leave and advocated special security protection to ensure the few that remained, stayed and worked comfortably devoid of threats.
Mr Moses Awenkanaab Awarikaro, the Regional Chairperson of the TUC, who made the called at this year’s May Day Celebration in Bolgatanga, emphasized the need for health professionals, teachers, bankers among other professionals to be fully protected to serve in the area.
“In as much as others have left the area because of the threats, we want to appeal as labour, staff and workers, that our colleagues in Bawku should be motivated, with special security for those in schools, hospitals, clinics, banks among others to be able to put up their best,” he said.
The celebration, held on the theme: “Resetting pay and working conditions in Ghana: The role of stakeholders,” brought together various professionals and workers unions to celebrate the day, held annually on May 1.
Notable among the unions at the parade included; the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the Public Sector Workers Union (PSWU), the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) among others.
Prior to the parade, members of the Unions, clad in their respective branded T-shirts, went on float through the streets of the Bolgatanga Municipality holding placards with inscriptions such as “Healthcare heroes deserve better” and “Mr President, implement our conditions of service now”
The rest were “Mr President, our tools allowances have not been paid for a long time,” “Airport in Upper East to promote tourism,” “Tourism, the Region’s hope,” “Better working condition: A right, not a privilege.”
Mr Awarikaro, who chaired the parade, also urged workers in Bawku and its environs to collaborate with the security service agencies in the area to effectively protect them to work in a peaceful environment.
He acknowledged government’s steps in setting up a committee to establish procedures for the promotion of over 1000 eligible teachers whose promotions were delayed and further called on government to equally address the numerous requests by organized labour in the country.
Madam Scholastica Tagtir Dery, the Regional Secretary of the TUC, congratulated workers in the Region for their diligence to duty despite poor and demotivating work environments, and urged them to continue, while leadership continued to advocate their interest.
Responding to the TUC Chairman’s call, the Regional Minister, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, who is the Chairperson of REGSEC, gave the assurance: “We have put in place measures to ensure that workers in Bawku are protected.
“Any worker whose life is threatened, only needs to draw the attention of REGSEC and we will provide the necessary security for you to continue to deliver the services deserved to the people of Bawku,” he said.
Mr Atanga called on workers not to leave the place, saying “It is not their liking, so when you leave the place, we will be risking the future of the youth.”
He noted the challenges of workers including poor conditions of work, irregular pension benefits, high cost of utilities, opposition to the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana, among others.
“I assure you that we will give proper attention to your concerns, as we fashion out the resetting agenda,” the Regional Minister further assured labour.
GNA
