GFL slams TUC over unsanctioned Chief Justice comments, May Day snub
The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has registered a strong protest against what it describes as the unilateral and disrespectful conduct of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) during this year’s May Day Parade in Accra.
In a letter dated May 1, 2025, and addressed to the Secretary-General of the TUC, the GFL said it was “deeply offended and disappointed” by its exclusion from the official programme and the lack of consultation on critical issues raised during the event, including commentary on the Chief Justice and illegal mining.
“The speeches delivered by the Secretary-General and the National Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) failed to reflect the collective concerns of all critical stakeholders within the organised labour front, particularly the Ghana Federation of Labour,” the letter signed by GFL Secretary General Abraham Koomson stated.
The GFL took particular exception to public statements made during the parade about a controversy involving the Chief Justice, saying no such matter had been deliberated on by labour leaders.
“To issue such a public pronouncement without thorough legal consultation was premature, presumptuous, and inconsistent with the principles of due process,” Koomson said.
The Federation also criticised TUC’s statements on illegal mining, warning that the lack of collective agreement on the issue could be seen as politically motivated.
“Any recommitment by organised labour to that cause must be thoroughly discussed and agreed upon through collective leadership. The uncoordinated remarks… risk being interpreted as politically inciting,” the statement read.
The GFL further protested its total exclusion from the event’s speaking programme, describing the ceremony as dominated by “disjointed” TUC presentations that failed to demonstrate the unity of the broader labour front.
To address the growing cracks within organised labour, the GFL is demanding an urgent meeting of interim labour leaders before the end of May 2025.
“This meeting must address the status of the stalled Organised Labour structures and chart a way forward for inclusive, transparent, and principled collaboration,” Koomson wrote.
While reaffirming its commitment to unity within the labour movement, the GFL warned that respect, consultation, and transparency must underpin all joint actions moving forward.
Source: channel1news