President Mahama Calls on Public-Sector Workers to Challenge Mismanagement, Announces Labor Reforms
At 2025 May Day Celebrations, President Emphasizes Collaboration, Institutional Reforms, and Creation of Independent Emolument Commission
ACCRA, Ghana — In a bold appeal to public-sector workers nationwide, President John Dramani Mahama urged laborers to speak out against mismanagement in state institutions during the 2025 May Day celebrations at Black Star Square on Wednesday (May 1, 2025). His address highlighted a commitment to labor rights, institutional accountability, and systemic reforms to bridge wage disparities.
“Your Enterprise Belongs to You”: President Backs Whistleblowers
Speaking before a crowd of workers, union leaders, and officials, President Mahama condemned the culture of silence in poorly managed state institutions, stressing that employees must act as stewards of their workplaces.
“Comrades and friends, many of you have been working in atrociously managed state institutions over the last years. I urge you not to keep quiet when management is driving your enterprise into ruin. You are always the first to be affected by job losses when these institutions collapse,” Mahama declared.
He assured workers of his administration’s support for those exposing wrongdoing, stating, “As President, I will back and support you to set things right.”
Collaboration Over Corruption: Path to Institutional Viability
President Mahama emphasized the need for cooperation between workers and management to rescue struggling state-owned enterprises.
“Let us work together to make these institutions viable because they belong to all of us,” he said, framing the survival of public enterprises as a shared responsibility.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over inefficiency and corruption in sectors like energy, healthcare, and education.
Labor Reforms: Modernizing Workplaces, Tackling Wage Gaps
The President outlined sweeping reforms aimed at improving working conditions and addressing inequities in public-sector compensation. Key initiatives include:
- Timely salary payments
- Modernization of outdated workspaces
- Reduction of bureaucratic bottlenecks stifling productivity
Mahama also directly addressed wage disparities between high-ranking officials (Article 71 office holders) and rank-and-file workers, proposing constitutional changes to establish an Independent Emolument Commission . This body would ensure a fair, transparent public wage structure.
“We cannot accept a system where a select few earn disproportionately more than their colleagues,” Mahama asserted, framing the move as a step toward equity.
“Walking the Talk”: Worker Protections and Economic Recovery
Reiterating his government’s commitment to workers, Mahama vowed to stand with laborers during both economic hardship and recovery.
“My administration will walk its talk. We will stand with you through every challenge to rebuild institutions that sustain livelihoods,” he pledged.
The speech aligns with broader efforts to stabilize Ghana’s economy, including austerity measures and foreign investment drives.
