Christian Council Urges Gov�t, Labour To Fix Differences Quickly

The Christian Council of Ghana says it is �very much concerned and worried about the recent rampant industrial agitations across the country� and wants the government and labour to resolve the differences quickly. �This industrial unrest, coupled with demonstrations, which have become rife, are as a result of the high cost of living which does not correlate with the income levels of most workers. The recent hikes in fuel and utility prices, and the continuous depreciation of the cedi against major trading currencies such as the United States Dollar and the British Pound Sterling have further deepened the economic challenges of most Ghanaians,� a statement issued by the Council on Tuesday explained. The statement signed by Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary said while the Council admitted that industrial strike is one of the acceptable ways for workers to express their grievances if their reasons are justifiable, as per the labour law, and thus appreciates �the genuine concerns that workers have raised in the past months over their worsening standards of living,� �the excessive use of strike actions and demonstrations to express dissatisfaction will further worsen our economic challenges as a country. The negative effects of rampant labour unrest on capital and security investments are enormous and can further worsen our livelihoods as Ghanaians.� The Christian Council said these excessive strike actions can further deter foreign investments and erode public confidence in the country, thereby leading to the loss of revenue and employments. Subsequently, it will adversely lead to the loss of national revenue and obviously detract quite a lot from annual Gross Domestic Product. �Our very lives are also at risk as labour continues to embark on excessive strike actions as access to essential services such as health, education, electricity and water may not be available, especially for our vulnerable brothers and sisters. �It is for this reason that, we are calling on Government and Labour Unions to resolve their differences quickly to avoid the rippling effects that strike actions could have on our national economy and society in general,� the Council said. The Christian Council urged the Government to further take concrete and result-oriented actions to make the economy sound, and improve the living conditions of Ghanaians across the country and erode the impression that workers must embark on strike actions before they can get the attention of Government. It also enjoined all to continue to pray for President Mahama, leaders and the country, and asked that everybody played their roles effectively as Ghanaians in making the nation great and strong. �Together, we can come out of these current predicaments, if only we are willing to work as Ghanaians and not take entrenched positions in dealing with national issues. �We encourage Ghanaians with these words from Romans 15:5 which read; �May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.�