However, recent events have threatened to derail the progress we have made as a nation. That is why I believe the theme for this year’s celebration, “COVID-19 in Ghana: Impact on Employment and Working Conditions”,
is apt, as it puts into sharp focus the exigencies of our time, and the work each and everyone has to do to get our nation fully back to work.
The outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in our country has meant that; Government has rapidly had to implement a number of measures to help stem the tide of the spread. As I indicated in my 8th address to the nation, my single-minded goal is how to protect our population from the virus, see to the rebuilding of our economy, and steer the country out of this crisis.
Some of the measures implemented, like those of 15th of March, have decreed the suspension of all public gatherings and the closure of our schools and borders. These measures are still very much in force, which means that this year, we are not gathered at Independence Square. We have also reviewed some of the measures, and lifted the restrictions to movement of persons resident in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Takoradi.
Two weeks ago, when I invited the leadership of the Trades Union Congress to Jubilee House, we discussed at length what impact the virus and the measures to contain it have had on businesses and the welfare of workers.
In the words of the admirable TUC Secretary-General, Dr Yaw Baah, and I quote, “what we are seeing is mind-boggling. Businesses are collapsing, in almost all the sectors of the economy, many people have already lost their jobs, and many more would have lost their jobs without the easing of these restrictions.”
In spite of this stark assessment, I was encouraged by his statement that the fight against COVID-19 is a shared responsibility, and I want to stress, once again, that, together, we will defeat this virus.
COVID-19 in Ghana: Impact on Employment and Working Conditions:
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