Gov't initiates moves for peaceful dialogue with partners

The Government of Ghana on Friday said it was fashioning out moves for regular dialogue to establish a framework for discussions on issues affecting the economy with its social partners.

This is to create a congenial atmosphere for regular meetings between the Government and its social partners and not only when crisis situations arose.

Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, made the announcement in Accra, at a meeting with Organised Labour to begin the process of the framework for the proposed regular meetings.

The meeting, which was at the instance of Nii Ashietey Armah, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, attracted some key Ministers of States, Mr Joe Amenowode, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Labour, the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and a number of groups within Organised Labour in Ghana.

Vice President Amissah- Arthur underscored the need for regular discussions between Government and Organised Labour so that there would be a level of understanding on strategies being adopted to address macro-economic concerns.

Mr Kofi Asomoah, Secretary General of the GTUC, commended President John Mahama for the steps the Government was taking to bring its social partners along, but said the consultations should be done with due respect for the wishes of the trade unions.

“We believe in effective consultations, we’ll engage in the consultations because we want them to be fruitful. They should not become cosmetic,” Mr Asamoah said.

“Our emphasis is on mutual trust and respect,” the GTUC boss added.

Mr Asmoah called for openness during the discussions, adding that the growth of the economy was important to the working people of Ghana.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure that there is peace and harmony in the country,” he said.