Organised Labour has called for a reset of wages and improved working conditions as Ghana prepares to mark the 2025 International Workers’ Day tomorrow Thursday, May 1. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana: The Role of Stakeholders,” places a spotlight on what labour leaders describe as the urgent need to address economic hardships faced by workers amid the country’s ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The main national parade will take place at Independence Square in Accra, running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and will feature President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour. Regional parades are also scheduled to be held simultaneously in all regional capitals, reinforcing the nationwide nature of the event.
In a press statement signed by the Secretary General of Organised Labour, Joshua Ansah, the union movement emphasized that this year’s theme is a call to action for employers, government, and industry players to work collaboratively with labour to review salary structures, improve workplace safety, and ensure fair working environments across sectors.
“This May Day is not just about celebration. It is about reflection, dialogue, and demanding what is just for the working people of Ghana,” the statement read. The Secretary General praised the resilience of Ghanaian workers and extended solidarity to all, urging broad participation in the day’s activities.
The call to reset pay structures aligns with growing concerns from labour unions and civil society about inflationary trends, rising utility costs, and the depreciating value of wages. Economists note that real wages in Ghana have stagnated over the past year despite a rebound in certain macroeconomic indicators.
Organised Labour has in recent months intensified engagements with government on the 2025 base pay review, pensions reform, and job security, particularly within the public sector.
The 2025 May Day celebrations are expected to feature placards, union statements, cultural displays, and solidarity messages from international labor bodies.
