Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has called on public sector workers to stand against mismanagement within state enterprises and report any wrongdoings. The President expressed his concerns over the declining fortunes of several state enterprises nationwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama voiced his concerns during the 2025 National May Parade at the Blackstar Square in Accra. He criticized the previous government’s management of state-owned enterprises over the past eight years, describing it as atrocious. He urged workers not to remain silent when witnessing mismanagement, emphasizing that they would be the first to suffer job losses if these institutions collapse.
The President encouraged workers to protect their enterprises, stating, “Your enterprise, where you work, belongs to you, they guarantee you lifelong employment, and so you must protect those enterprises. When things are going wrong, do not be afraid to say so. And as President, I will back and support you to set things right.”
During a conference organized by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) for Chief Executives of state enterprises on March 13, President Mahama revealed that almost all state-owned enterprises are in debt. He highlighted the example of GIHOC Distilleries, which used to pay dividends to the government during his previous presidency but now also faces debt.
President Mahama questioned, “How can you sell alcohol and be in debt? When Ghanaians are happy, we drink alcohol. When we are sad, we drink. When we are not happy, we are not sad, we drink. So how can you sell alcohol and lose?” He urged both management and workers of state-owned enterprises to collaborate in making these institutions viable, reminding them that these entities belong to everyone.
He also addressed the significant challenge posed by the youth bulge, which threatens national stability due to limited employment opportunities. President Mahama mentioned his recent launch of various flagship job creation initiatives aimed at providing sustainable employment for the nation’s unemployed youth.
Additionally, the President assured workers that his government is committed to supporting them through both hardships and prosperity. He emphasized the Constitution review process’s focus on establishing a Permanent Independent Emoluments Commission to ensure a fair and equitable public service wage structure, thereby bridging the disparity between conditions of service for Article 71 officeholders and other public sector workers.
