By Our Democracy News GH
The Minority Leader in Parliament has demanded the immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears and allowances owed public sector workers, urging the government to implement agreed conditions of service and develop a credible plan to prevent recurring industrial actions.
He said unresolved labour disputes involving doctors, health workers, Judicial Service staff and other organised labour groups reflected persistent concerns about the government’s handling of workers’ welfare.
The Minority Leader argued that government must move beyond repeated negotiations and take concrete steps to fulfil its employment-related obligations.
He outlined three key demands:
- Immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears and allowances.
- Implementation of agreed conditions of service.
- A credible plan to prevent recurring industrial actions.
Minority Leader questions government’s handling of national challenges
The Minority Leader also raised concerns about the government’s response to several national issues, questioning the exercise of state authority, security at the country’s ports and instability surrounding cocoa prices.
He challenged the government to provide answers on matters involving lawyers at court premises, the handling of cargo containers and difficulties confronting Ghana’s cocoa sector.
He maintained that the Minority Caucus was not seeking to undermine the government but was exercising its constitutional responsibility to hold public officials accountable.
He further argued that criticism of government policies should be addressed through facts, figures and practical solutions rather than dismissed as political hostility.
Cites Akufo-Addo’s remarks on patriotic responsibility
In the concluding part of his address, the Minority Leader referred to remarks made by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on March 9, 2019, during the 109th anniversary celebration of the United Nations.
He invoked the former President’s comments to underline the importance of correcting wrong decisions and holding those in authority accountable as part of citizens’ and political leaders’ responsibilities.
He cautioned members of the governing side against interpreting every criticism as an attempt to sabotage the government.
However, he acknowledged that the Minority also had a responsibility to protect the national interest by ensuring that its criticisms were supported by evidence and practical proposals.
Raises concerns over treatment of persons under investigation
The Minority Leader also referred to developments in Okyereko and concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Nana Adjei Baffour, regarding the exercise of state authority and the treatment of individuals under investigation.
He reminded members of the governing party that political power was temporary and that those currently in government could eventually find themselves in opposition.
He therefore urged lawmakers to consider how state institutions treat political opponents and to uphold fairness and the rights of individuals regardless of their political affiliation.
