The President, Nana Akufo-Addo says calls by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to suspend all taxes on petroleum products will cost the government 4-billion Ghana Cedis and therefore not sustainable.
At the 2022 May Day Parade in Accra, the Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah’s message to the President was to initiate measures to remove all petroleum products to cushion Ghanaians since the current cost of living is high.
But the President said this will dent workers’ wages badly. The observance of May Day is to recognise workers who sacrifice for the development of the country.
The 2022 May Day parade is deemed to be unique because this is the first time workers have been able to meet in large numbers since COVID-19 broke out.
It is unique due to workers’ anticipation of the government to roll out measures to relieve them from the current economic difficulties due to the ravages of COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The 2022 parade is christened “Protecting Jobs and Income in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.”
The workers who came in their hundreds from the 31-Labour Unions gathered at the Black Star Square to celebrate the day.
TUC Secretary-General, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah Baah, said workers need improved daily wages because current economic conditions and high inflation have spiked the cost of living, making workers worse off.
Nana Akufo-Addo said though COVID-19 has made life harder for Ghanaians, removing all taxes on petroleum products will affect government’s revenue badly.
On the Single Spine Pay Structure, President Akufo-Addo said other measures are being put considered to ensure workers earn decent and fair salaries.
The President said government recognizes the current high cost of living in the country and is looking at a more sustainable plan to deal with the challenges largely brought on by the global pandemic.
