In light of the financial difficulties that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration left behind, Trades Union Congress (TUC) members are adamant that they will pursue their legitimate demands should the National Democratic Congress (NDC) win the 2024 elections. They have rejected John Mahama’s request for a post-election grace period.

At a “Campus Connect” event in Hohoe, former president John Mahama made an appeal to Ghanaians, particularly trade and labour groups, asking for a grace period if he were to return to power.

Before addressing particular demands, he emphasised the need to revive the economy and acknowledged the growing calls for better working conditions from organisations like the teachers union, GNAT, NAGRAT, UTAG, and TEWU.

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Mr Mahama issued a warning, saying that once the NDC took power in 2025, the nation’s financial situation would become clear.

And since I am aware that everyone is begging for allowances, I will make a plea to the teachers union, GNAT, NAGRAT, UTAG, and TEWU. I would like to warn you that when we take over in 2025, we will show you this nation’s books and finances.

And after we’ve accomplished that, we can once more give in to your demands. For this reason, I’m being extremely cautious with my promises because we’re all aware of the dire circumstances into which this nation has been thrown. And you’ll see how detrimental the NPP government has been to Ghana’s economy.

This nation is bankrupt, so we humbly ask that you grant us a brief honeymoon when we take office so that we can put the pieces in place and rebuild the economy,” Mr. Mahama said.

TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah insisted that workers would not back down from their demands, blaming politicians for the state of the economy.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Ansah urged the former president, should he win the election, to quickly address and resolve these issues.