Labour unions to petition parliament, threaten to sue Ofori-Atta

Labour unions in Ghana are to petition parliament on what appears to be an illegality being committed by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

The 12 labour unions say Mr Ofori-Atta used the 2017 budget to amend the Pensions Act 766, something they want parliament to explain as to why the parliamentarians allowed that seeming illegality to be committed.

In the 2017 budget, the Finance Minister, insisted on supervising pension contributions, contrary to provisions of the Act, which gives that responsibility to the Employment and Labour Relations Minister.

On Tuesday, July 4, 2017, the 12 labour unions called on the Finance Minister to back down on his decision to supervise pension contributions.

The unions cited section 13 of the Pensions Act 766, which solely mandates the Employment and Labour Relations Minister to do so.

However in the 2017 budget statement, the ministers of finance indicated plans to control and supervise the contributions.

This, the 12 labour unions have vowed to resist and consequently served notice to petition parliament this week to look into the matter.

Chairman of the unions, Isaac Bampoe Addo, again said they would proceed to the Supreme Court if parliament fails to act.

Meanwhile, the unions have requested government to initiate the process of paying their 80 months arrears on the second tier pension scheme.