Journalists for Human Rights

International Workers Day happened on May 1st. Historically it’s a time to celebrate the achievements of the labour movement all over the world. In Ghana this year, the Trades Union Congress planned to mark the day with the theme of “Deepening Democracy.” But many workers tell JOY NEWS that they’re more concerned with rising food, petrol and utility costs. JOY FM has been questioning officials of the TUC on whether this theme is important when most workers are struggling to fund their kids’ educations, food costs, rent, utilities and increasing transportation fees.

Acting General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress Kofi Asamoah says that the bread and butter issues are important. However, he says they shouldn’t be the sole focus during Labour Day events.

“I may not agree that if the cost of living is skyrocketing, it should be the only thing you think about,” he says. If we make our messages well rounded, the message will not be about deepening democracy alone. It will be talking about the economic and social well being of the workers in this country generally.”

JOY FM reporter Steven Anti and JHR trainer Alison Lang went to visit some members of the civil service to hear how they feel about scraping by month after month - and what they think should be done about it.