The Minister for Employment and Labour relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah has lauded the efforts of frontline health workers for their dedication to the fight against the novel coronavirus.
Speaking in Parliament, the Sunyani West Member of Parliament (MP) said health workers are playing a critical role which must not be overlooked.
“This is crucial because various categories of workers are even more exposed to the disease. Of particular mention are our very gallant health workers at the forefront of the fight, some of whom have already paid the price and we need to appreciate them. Our hardworking frontline health workers who have availed themselves to life-saving measures as the nation fights COVID-19 and its related issues.”
The Minister added that “COVID-19 should not make us lose the significance of May Day” as the world celebrates May Day without the usual excitement because of the pandemic.
Mr Awuah assured workers that the Government remained committed to their welfare despite the pandemic.
“Government’s commitment to the welfare of workers remains resolute and will always be one of our major priorities,” he said.
He noted that the pandemic would bring job losses but the Ministry and its social partners was in the process of assessing the full impact of the pandemic on the employment sector.
“However, even until such reports are made available, it is common knowledge that, globally, some sectors of the world economy, including Ghana, have already experienced job losses,” he said and mentioned the aviation, hospitality, and transport industries as some of the casualties.
Mr Awuah also urged workers to bear with the Government and employers in the current trying times.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, expressed regret that efforts to rebuild the economy had been derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When we are striving to measure up over the past three years, we have been brought down by this Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
He called for negotiations between Organised Labour and the Government to ascertain “realistically what is ahead of us as a country.”
The Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, urged the House to dedicate this year’s May Day to health workers, especially those at the frontline in fighting the pandemic.
He called for a unification of pensions to address issues affecting domestic workers and an escalating public sector wage bill.
“Whether COVID-19 or not, there are matters relating to pensions, which have not been significantly resolved,” the Minority Leader said, adding; “As a nation, we need to work towards a decent wage, not a living wage.”
Mr Ebenezer Gilbert Nii Narh Nartey, the MP for Ablekuma Central, praised teachers for their effort in educating and training children, as a number of parents, particularly of young children, are finding it challenging to teach their children at home because of the closure of schools from Covid-19.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, saluted Ghanaian workers, particularly, healthcare, utility, security, and the media for their dedication to duty.
“They must all know that this august House accords them our highest respect and that they are most deserving of our glowing tribute on this auspicious occasion. They indeed occupy a special place in our hearts and the hearts of the people we represent in this Chamber.”
