Editorial
‘Ayekoo’ to all workers
Last Wednesday was International Workers’ Day, often known as May Day, celebrated by workers across the country.
Workers’ Day which falls on May 1, is a yearly observance to honour the contributions of all workers around the world.
As usual,labour unions and labour associations nationwide staged and parade to commemorate this year’s event.
The participants wore T-shirts from their respective organisations and carried placards with messages to the public that expressed concern.
Earlier, a call was made on the government to actively try to improve the working conditions of public sector employees.
The celebration was under the theme, “Election 2024: “The Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development.”
In a statement the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union Ghana (ICU-Ghana) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) earlier warned employers not to convert permanent job positions to contract and casual work in an effort to maximise profit.
“The practice is not only demotivating but also unacceptable and may eventually backfire on them,” the statement reads.
Given the current state of the economy and the difficulties faced by workers in making ends meet, the advice seems appropriate.
The Spectator applauds employers who are making every effort to lessen employees’ pains and suffering and providing a supportive work environment.
We also implore employees to put in more effort every day of the year in order to guarantee high productivity, profitability, and sustainability for businesses to meet their organisational goals,
Since it is often said that “time is money,” we encourage employees to respect their time and not arrive late for work, as this negatively affects many national industries and impedes progress.
Arriving early for work boosts productivity, which in turn leads to efficiency; yet, a lack of it breeds inefficiency, failure, and other issues.
Furthermore, we implore employees to abstain from actions that can jeopardise peace and stability in the run-up to the general elections in 2024.
We say “Ayekoo” to all workers for their tireless efforts in keeping businesses afloat.
Editorial
Urgent need to resource GNFS
Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring to the attention of the government on the urgent need to resource the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The GNFS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities, but it is facing numerous challenges due to inadequate resources.
The GNFS lacks modern equipment, vehicles to effectively respond to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.
These, to a large extent affect their operations.
The service needs a state-of-the-art fire fighting equipment and vehicles for its operations.
It saddens my heart to see personnel with zeal to work but are obstructed the lack of limited resources.
Recent fires at Zongo Lane near the Rawlings Park and part of Job 600 building of Parliament House in Accra calls for an urgent need to adequately resource the Service to assist in the case of emergencies.
I urge the government to prioritise the GNFS to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate. This includes allocating sufficient funds, provide modern equipment and vehicles.
The safety and security of our communities depend on it to save human resource and the country’s economy.
Anita Nyarko-Yirenkyi
Accra
Editorial
Speed up work on reconstruction of La General Hospital
Dear Editor,
The La General Hospital was demolished in July 2020 to allow its reconstruction and become an ultra-modern facility.
Following the demolition, the government announced a budget of €5 million for the reconstruction. However, progress of work on the facility has been very slow, leading to frustration among the residents of La.
The community was hopeful that the new hospital would provide advanced healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, the delay in construction has left the people without a fully functional hospital for over three years.
The slow pace of work has caused great concern as residents now move to hospitals surrounding like the Police Hospital, 37 Military Hospital and Korle- Bu to seek medical attention even though there is a clinic in the community.
Residents of La have already organised various demonstrations to voice out their worries. They feel that the government has not lived up to its promise to deliver a modern hospital that meets the needs of the community.
The residents are worried about the impact of the delay on their health and well-being, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with chronic ailment.
I want to urge the government to make it a priority to complete hospital reconstruction this year to show its commitment to providing the community with a safe and fully equipped facility.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,
Accra
