The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana), Morgan Ayawine, has expressed concern that despite positive economic indicators, the cost of living remains high for the average Ghanaian worker.

In his Christmas message to members and workers across the nation, released on Wednesday, Ayawine acknowledged the government’s efforts but stressed the need for further action to ease the financial burdens faced by workers “for far too long.”

“While there have been some positive economic indicators during the year… these gains are yet to translate meaningfully into improved living conditions for the ordinary worker and the generality of Ghanaians,” Ayawine stated.

He highlighted achievements like a stable exchange rate, single-digit inflation, and reduced interest rates as positive steps. However, he pointed out that the prices of essential commodities – food, rent, and utilities – continue to pose a significant challenge to workers.

Ayawine commended the government’s recapitalization of the National Investment Bank Limited. He then presented a list of critical state-owned enterprises requiring urgent financial intervention.

Specifically, he called for the government to address the financial difficulties at COCOBOD and provide bailouts for struggling entities including PBC Limited, Volta Star Textile, Graphic Communications Group, New Times Corporation, New Neoplan Ghana, and the Pwalugu Tomatoes Factory. He also urged the finalization of processes to revive ALUWORKS, arguing it would stimulate job creation and socio-economic growth.

Turning to the private sector, the ICU-Ghana General Secretary cautioned employers against engaging in anti-union activities, casualization of labour, and the denial of fair wages and benefits. He emphasized strict adherence to Collective Agreements and Ghana’s Labour Laws to maintain industrial peace.

“Unfortunately, some employers continue to infringe upon these instruments,” Ayawine noted, warning that such actions “carry serious consequences.”

Despite these challenges, Ayawine encouraged workers to remain steadfast and leverage the “modest gains” of 2025 to enhance productivity in the coming year. The ICU-Ghana, a leading trade union in the country, consistently advocates for improved working conditions and better remuneration for Ghanaian workers.

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