Accra: Mr Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, has expressed support for the government's initiative of a 24-hour economy aimed at increasing productivity. The policy is expected to enhance the country's economic landscape by creating job opportunities for Ghanaians and reducing the unemployment rate.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Morgan articulated his views at the Professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU) Co-ordinating Council Conference of ICU-Ghana in Accra. The government, under the leadership of President Mahama, has launched the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. This initiative, projected to cost approximately $4 billion, has seen the government commit between $300 to $400 million as seed funding to attract private sector investment. The core objectives of the initiative include boosting productivity, creating jobs, and reducing the nation's reliance on imports.
Mr Morgan emphasized the importance of engaging all social partners and stakeholders, including the government, to ensure the successful implementation of the 24-hour economy. He expressed his concern about the high unemployment rate, particularly among graduates who are unable to find job opportunities despite their education. He highlighted the issue of educated Ghanaians seeking employment abroad, which he described as counterproductive to the economic development of Ghana as it leads to the development of other countries.
He also underscored the necessity for the Union to fulfill its constitutional obligations by organizing regional and PMSU Co-ordinating Council conferences, as well as youth and women conferences, in preparation for the 12th Quadrennial Delegates' Conference Union scheduled from August 20-22, 2025. Mr Morgan noted the significant growth in the formation of the PMSU and Union membership, attributing this to the growing awareness among the working class, including senior staff and managers, about their fundamental rights to freedom of association.
Mr Thomas Atiah, Acting Director of PMSU, remarked that the conference provided an opportunity to review developments within the Union, particularly in relation to the PMSU, and to plan for the next quadrennial. It also facilitated the reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the PMSU Co-ordinating Council. The conference concluded with the swearing-in of a nine-member reconstituted executive committee of the PMSU Co-ordinating Council, including Rev Christian Quainoo as vice chairman and Justin Ayaribisa as secretary, among others.
Mr Isaiah Narteh, Chairman of the PMSU Co-ordinating Council's Executive Committee, called for unity to further elevate the Union's status. He committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve greater accomplishments in the future.
