The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has berated the Trades Union Congress (TUC) over what it describes as the marginalisation and unilateral conduct displayed during the 2025 May Day Parade held in Accra.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, and signed by GFL Secretary-General Abraham Koomson, the federation expressed deep dissatisfaction with its exclusion from key segments of the national event, describing the move as “deeply offensive and unacceptable.”
The GFL criticised the TUC leadership for failing to represent the collective voice of all stakeholders in their public addresses, stating that the speeches delivered did not reflect the concerns of the broader organised labour front.
“As a key player in the labour movement, GFL’s input and concerns were conspicuously absent,” the letter stated.
The federation also objected to public comments made regarding the ongoing controversy involving the Chief Justice, asserting that no such discussion had taken place among organised labour leadership. It described the statement as “premature, presumptuous, and inconsistent with due process.”
GFL further raised concerns over remarks made on illegal mining (galamsey), noting that any recommitment to national advocacy should be preceded by collective deliberation. The federation warned that the uncoordinated statements risk political misinterpretation, especially given the government’s efforts to tackle the issue.
In addition, GFL decried its exclusion from the official programme lineup, stating that the event was dominated by TUC officers and lacked the inclusiveness expected of a national labour celebration.
Calling for urgent action, the GFL demanded an immediate meeting of the interim Organised Labour Leadership before the end of May to address the state of the stalled labour structures and to restore inclusive collaboration.
“We reaffirm our commitment to unity within the labour movement,” the letter concluded, “but insist that respect, consultation, and transparency must guide our collective efforts.”