Workers are my top priority

-I will strengthen protection of their rights – Dr Bawumia

Vice-President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is promising to make the protection of workers and respect for workers’ rights one of his top priorities if elected as president.

To this end, he has assured the Trades Union Congress (TUC) that he will help strengthen the National Labour Commission (NLC) under his presidency by ensuring that it has offices established across the country.

He is confident this would ensure the Commission operates effectively and on a full-time basis.

He made the promise in Accra at a meeting with the TUC.

The meeting is part of his ongoing “Bold Solutions for the Future” initiative, where he has been meeting with various identifiable groups to discuss his policy proposals.

Dr. Bawumia stated that if, by the end of this year, the proposed amendments to Labour Act are not passed by parliament, he would ensure it passed under his administration to protect workers.

Key provisions in proposed law

The Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), regulates employment and labour issues in Ghana.

The proposed new law, when enacted, will, among other things, propose substantial changes to the structure, architecture, and judicial functions of NLC.

This imminent legislation, poised to redefine the landscape of labour governance, represents a pivotal moment in Ghana’s journey towards equitable and contemporary labour practices.

At its core, the proposed labor law stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to championing the welfare of its citizens.

Crafted with foresight and inclusivity, it promises to usher in substantive changes, particularly in the structure and functionality of NLC.

The forthcoming labor law emerges as a tangible gesture of appreciation, designed to uphold the rights and dignity of the labor force, comprising over 11.5 million individuals and future generations.

Central to this legislative endeavor is the government’s commitment to fortifying labor administrative institutions.

The allocation of resources towards state-of-the-art infrastructure, including motorbikes and vehicles for enhanced mobility, underscores a proactive approach to facilitating efficient service delivery.

Moreover, the ambitious initiative to construct and refurbish public employment centers amplifies the visibility of labour department activities, fostering greater engagement and accessibility.

Crucially, amidst these advancements, the government prioritizes the prevention and resolution of potential conflicts or disputes within the labor sphere.

By bolstering the early warning system, policymakers aim to preemptively address challenges, fostering a conducive environment for harmonious labour relations and sustainable development.

Flat tax rate

Dr. Bawumia reiterated his plans to implement a flat tax rate in 2025 after granting tax amnesty to every individual in the country.

On stabilizing the Cedi from further depreciation, he believed that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) having adequate gold reserves would provide the stability required to prevent frequent depreciation.

To that end, Dr. Bawumia said his government would ensure all concessions for all new gold discoveries under his government would be owned by Ghanaians, while gold processed in the country would be sold to the Central Bank to shore up the country’s reserves.

His government would resource the Geological Survey Authority and technical universities to undertake exploration of the seven gold belts in the country to ensure that the gold concessions produce positive outcomes.

He repeated his plans to establish a Minerals Development Bank to support small-scale miners in sourcing funding for their businesses, noting that the sector could generate three billion dollars annually.

Fiscal discipline

On improving fiscal discipline, the NPP Flagbearer gave the assurance that his administration would ensure the Fiscal Responsibility Council operates independently with oversight over the Ministry of Finance.

He promised to downsize his government’s expenditure by three percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which amounts to about GH₵30 billion every year.

Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his commitment not to appoint more than 50 ministers under his administration.

On constitutional matters, the NPP Flagbearer pledged to review Article 87 of the 1992 Constitution and the National Development Planning Commission Act (Act 479) to align with the development aspirations of the nation.

General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, expressed his admiration for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign slogan and vision, noting its positive impact on the country.

Ideas, systems, and institutions
He particularly highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s assertion that “Ideas, systems, and institutions are ingredients for transforming a country,” reinforcing the slogan “It is Possible” as a crucial message for national development.

Dr. Baah presented the “TUC Manifesto” to Dr. Bawumia, indicating the union’s readiness to support the outlined objectives.

He advocated for a constitutional amendment to rebalance the distribution of power between the President and the populace, emphasizing the need for collective action to resolve the ongoing power crisis definitively.

Dr. Baah also lauded Dr. Bawumia’s vision for digitalization as a transformative idea that could significantly benefit the country.

The outcomes of this meeting were multifaceted. Firstly, there was a mutual understanding and alignment on the need for fiscal discipline and reducing government size.

Dr. Bawumia’s proposals to involve the private sector more deeply in economic activities and to streamline government operations resonated well with the TUC leadership.

The call for constitutional amendments to rebalance power dynamics indicated a shared commitment to more democratic governance structures.

The emphasis on solving the power crisis and advancing digitalization showcased a forward-thinking approach to addressing critical national issues.

The support of the TUC for Dr. Bawumia’s policies is a significant boost.

Accompanying the NPP Flagbearer were Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Chairman of the NPP Manifesto Committee; Mr. Joseph Cudjoe, Minister of Public Enterprises; and Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.