Bawumia meets TUC leaders over youth jobs, living costs and workers’ welfare

Former Vice President and NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has met the leadership of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Accra for talks on youth unemployment, the rising cost of living and labour welfare.

The meeting took place at the Hall of Trade Unions on Tuesday as part of Dr Bawumia’s continuing national consultations with key stakeholder groups.

The TUC, which represents thousands of Ghanaian workers across the public and private sectors, was represented by its senior leadership. Sources close to the discussions described the meeting as cordial, frank and focused on finding practical solutions to the country’s labour challenges.

The impact of rising living costs on workers was among the main issues considered. Discussions centred on the reduction in disposable incomes and the longstanding call for a sustainable living wage that would go beyond the minimum wage.

Youth unemployment was also identified as a growing concern, with the talks addressing the anxiety caused by the limited employment opportunities available to young people.

Pension reform was another key subject. The discussions examined the need to strengthen the pensions regime so that workers can enjoy dignity in retirement. The participants also considered ways to make workplaces genuinely inclusive for persons with disabilities.

The meeting extended beyond immediate welfare concerns to wider economic policy. Both sides explored the idea of building a resilient economy capable of absorbing external shocks affecting exchange rates, inflation, commodity prices and supply chains.

Dr Bawumia has consistently argued for strong economic fundamentals to help Ghana withstand global economic shocks. He is said to have listened attentively to the concerns and proposals raised by TUC leaders and assured them that their views would contribute to his broader economic vision.

The engagement with Organised Labour is the latest in a series of consultations held by Dr Bawumia in recent weeks. He has also met traders, professional bodies, faith-based organisations, youth groups and private sector players as he gathers perspectives on building a more resilient and inclusive Ghanaian economy.

The consultations are intended to bring together views from a broad range of groups on the country’s economic and social priorities. The TUC meeting focused particularly on the challenges facing workers and the measures needed to improve labour welfare.

Both sides are expected to meet again to examine concrete policy proposals arising from the discussions.