The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has strongly criticised the Trades Union Congress (TUC) for what it describes as a lack of respect and inclusion shown to their organisation during this year’s May Day parade in Accra.
In a formal letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the TUC, dated 1st May 2025, the GFL expressed its “strong disapproval and disappointment at the marginalisation and disrespect shown” to the federation at the national event.
According to the GFL, speeches delivered by the TUC leadership failed to reflect the collective views of the broader labour community. “As a key player in the labour movement, GFL’s input and concerns were conspicuously absent from the address, a situation we find deeply offensive and unacceptable,” the statement read.
The GFL also took issue with comments made by the TUC regarding the current controversy involving the Chief Justice. It said the matter had not been discussed among labour leaders. “To issue such a public pronouncement without thorough legal consultation was premature, presumptuous, and inconsistent with the principles of due process,” the GFL stated.
The federation further criticised the way the issue of illegal mining (galamsey) was addressed, saying the remarks were made without agreement from all labour groups.
“Any recommitment by organised labour to that cause must be thoroughly discussed and agreed upon through collective leadership,” it said. It warned that “uncoordinated remarks” could appear politically motivated and damage the credibility of labour’s advocacy.
Another concern raised was GFL’s exclusion from the programme lineup. The group said it was not given the opportunity to deliver a solidarity message and that the event was “dominated by TUC officers, whose disjointed presentations further highlighted the lack of inclusiveness.”
Calling for urgent action, the GFL demanded an emergency meeting of the interim Organised Labour Leadership before the end of May 2025. It said the meeting should address the “stalled Organised Labour structures” and help chart a new path for “inclusive, transparent, and principled collaboration.”
Despite its protest, the GFL reaffirmed its commitment to unity in the labour movement, but emphasised that “respect, consultation, and transparency must guide our collective efforts.”
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