Ursula Owusu: It appears NDC is cursed

First it was the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) embarking on a strike action. Then the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) also joined - leaving the school children to their fate.

After a couple of negotiations and meetings with the Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC), the National Labour Commission (NLC) and President John Dramani Mahama, the agitating groups resumed work; suspending the strike.

Moments after the strike had ended, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) as well as the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) served notice to go on strike if nothing is done to fulfill the numerous promises made to them by government as far as remunerations and market premium is concerned.

As if that is not worrisome enough, Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA), who have since March 22 embarked on a work-to-rule industrial action, have threatened to embark on a strike after the Easter festivities.

Commenting on the these industrial actions as a panelist on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, NPP Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu described as strange the phenomena of agitations by labour groups saying, ‘it seems like the NDC has been cursed; everything they touch fails’.

According to her, government is not handling the issue of labour matters appropriately because promises are made and when the strike action is suspended, the government reneges on its word.

“We can’t continue like this. Government needs to do what it takes to stop the strike actions. They need to set their priorities right. If you don’t set your priorities right, things that will give you immediate gain will be your focus while the ones that will give you lasting gains will be neglected…,” she said.

Ursula Owusu also questioned why heads of institutions put in place to solve the labour matters are still at their positions when all indications proves that they are incompetent and clueless as to the kind of work they are supposed to do.

“Fair Wages and Salary Commission was instituted for a purpose. They have been paid to do a certain kind of work; why don’t they get on with it? The President should be able to put pressure on some of the institutions and sack people were necessary. I hired you to do a job and if you can’t deliver, I fire you and bring somebody else who will be able to do the work for me…” she stressed.