New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has held discussions with the leadership of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on measures to reduce the cost of living, improve workers’ incomes and generate more jobs for young people.
The meeting, which took place at the TUC Hall as part of his ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, also focused on pension reforms, the inclusion of persons with disabilities and strategies to make Ghana’s economy more resilient to external economic shocks.
In a Facebook post after the engagement, Dr Bawumia said the discussions centred on issues affecting Ghanaian workers and possible interventions to improve their living conditions.
He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to consider ways to ensure workers earn a living wage, increase employment opportunities for the youth and establish a social contract between the government and organised labour.
Youth unemployment was among the key issues discussed, with the NPP flagbearer stressing the importance of creating more opportunities for young people to access jobs.
The meeting also examined pension arrangements and the need to strengthen the financial security of workers after retirement. The inclusion and welfare of persons with disabilities also featured in the discussions.
Dr Bawumia disclosed that both parties had agreed to continue the engagement in subsequent meetings to develop specific proposals based on the issues raised.
“My stakeholder consultations brought me to the TUC Hall today for an insightful meeting with the leadership of the Trades Union Congress (TUC),” he wrote.
He added that the discussions covered concerns ranging from the rising cost of living and the need for a living wage to youth employment, improved pensions and disability inclusion.
According to him, the parties also explored the possibility of establishing a social contract between government and organised labour to strengthen the country’s ability to withstand external economic pressures.
Dr Bawumia expressed appreciation to the TUC leadership and its constituent groups for their participation and willingness to share their experience and perspectives.
The engagement forms part of the NPP flagbearer’s broader consultations with stakeholders on economic and social policy. Further meetings are expected to address the specific proposals emerging from the discussions.