Article 1 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana provides that “The sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose name and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised in the manner and within the limits laid down in this Constitution.” But it seems the welfare of Ghanaians has been neglected.
This provision in the constitution underscores the authority and power that the citizens of Ghana hold in shaping the governance and direction of the country.
This week, a series of press releases from various trade unions in Ghana have highlighted this sovereignty in action. Unions such as the Public Utility Workers Union of TUC, the Teachers Union, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana, the Ghana Medical Association, and the GPRTU have all issued threats of a nationwide strike. Their unified demand? A better Ghana and good governance.
These collective actions are a potent reminder that the ultimate power of the state resides with the people. The unions’ threat to strike is a clear demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and their resolve to seek meaningful change. The specific grievances revolve around issues such as the sale of SSNIT assets, which has recently seen a significant development: SSNIT has terminated the contract to sell its assets following the announcement of these requests.
Starting Monday, 15th July, organized labor intends to put the country’s economy on hold as a form of protest. This move is not unprecedented; it echoes similar actions by the youth of Kenya, who recently exercised their power to demand better governance and outcomes.
The actions by organized labor in Ghana raise an important question: Is this move a reflection of a broader trend where citizens and labor organizations leverage their collective power to demand accountability and better governance? It certainly appears so. The sovereignty vested in the people by the Constitution is being actively exercised, signaling a robust engagement with democratic principles and the pursuit of a government that truly serves the welfare of its people.
In conclusion, the upcoming strike by various trade unions in Ghana is more than just a protest; it is a testament to the enduring power of the people and their unwavering demand for a government that upholds their welfare and operates within the constitutional limits set forth by the 1992 Constitution.
By Edwim Kobina Coleman
