Positive Change depends on good partnership - Kufuor

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday said the creation of wealth to bring a positive change in the lives of Ghanaians would only succeed when good partnership is created among government, employers and workers.

"The role of government is important to ensure that there exists the proper atmosphere and the structures needed for a growing economy. The role of entrepreneurs is crucial to provide the capital and dynamism needed to move things, but it will all come together when the workers are enthusiastic, supportive and productive."

President Kufuor was addressing a large crowd of workers drawn from 17 affiliate unions of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) at a parade a the Independence Square in Accra to mark May Day.

This year's celebration was observed under the theme: "Consolidating Democracy in Ghana: The Role of Trade Unions."

President Kufuor said the proper functioning of the partnership of the government, the entrepreneur and worker will lift the country from the current unacceptable economic conditions and called for hard work to transform the adversarial inheritance that exists between workers and employers.

He reiterated the aim of the government to ensure fair play among the partners as they combine on the economic playing field to generate the wealth of the nation.

President Kufuor commended workers for the manner in which they received and handled the increases in the prices of petroleum products adding that he was encouraged by the atmosphere in which the tripartite negotiations were held, making it possible to reach a mutually acceptable figure without rancour.

The Tripartite Committee on Monday pegged the new minimum wage at 5,500 cedis from 4,200 cedis, an upward adjustment of 31 per cent.

President Kufuor said the figure will ease the burden of the worker marginally, admitting that it is far from ideal, and added "it is about the best we can do given the very limited economic base we have to support any increases."

The President said he is initiating a debate on prices and wages and expressed the hope that the debate will be embraced by organised labour as well as by other sectors of the society.

He said realistic prices and wages would avert inciting people into criminal activities. Inscriptions on the numerous placards carried by the workers dwelt on the general harsh economic conditions in the country.

Most of them called on the government to restore the End of Service (ESB). Some of them read: Utility Bills Too High, HIPC Not Good For Workers, 5,500 cedis is not enough, Give Us Positive Minimum Wage, We are Highly Indebted Poor Workers.

The Police Central Band and Prisons Band provided music. Prizes were awarded to 16 workers who have distinguished themselves in their various unions. Each award winner received a 14-inch colour television, a certificate and a badge of honour.