The nationwide demonstration declared by Organised Labour on Thursday was virtually boycotted by workers in the Volta region capital of Ho, as only a handful of them turnout for the event.
The demonstration organised for workers in both the formal and informal sectors to protest against “harsh economic conditions and poor governance” was delayed for almost an hour due to the poor turnout.
Interestingly, the protesters who converged at the Ho Civic Centre STC yard, were virtually outnumbered by the about 200 police personnel deployed to provide security, as they marched through some principal streets of the regional capital amidst brass band music.
They carried placards, with inscriptions “John Mahama, we are suffering”, “We dey die keke, John Mahama” “Middle Income Country, Low Income Workers” “Oh Mahama, Never Again”, “Reduce the Tax Burden,” “Motivate the Ghanaian Worker for a Healthier Economy”, among others.
However scores of workers who did not join the protest were seen loitering around their offices at the ministries, while those in the informal sector also went about their normal businesses.
Mr. Samuel Ananga, the regional officer for the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) attributed the poor patronage to the inability of workers from other part of the region to join in the demonstration.
Presenting a petition to the President on behalf of workers in the region through the Regional Minister, Mr Elvis Van-Lare, Regional Secretary, Trades Union Congress asked for immediate action by government to halt the depreciation of the cedi and the rising cost of living, among other demands.
A remark by the Volta Regional Minister, Ms Helen Adjoa Ntoso, that citizens should appreciate government’s achievements in the region, was met with boos and chants from the protestors.
She however said government was doing its best, saying, “the nation is like a gold going through refinery, so at the end everyone will be happy.”
She also commended the workers for a peaceful demonstration and promised to deliver their message to the president.
