The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to strengthen its engagement with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), alleging that some recent positions taken by the labour body appear to favour the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and could affect public confidence in the government.
The appeal comes in the wake of the TUC’s call on President John Dramani Mahama to withhold assent to the recently passed Tribunals Bill, 2026, citing concerns over aspects of the proposed legislation.
Speaking on Ahotor FM in Accra, GFL Secretary-General Abraham Koomson said the NDC should adopt a more strategic approach in its relationship with organised labour.
According to Mr. Koomson, Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, understood the political influence of organised labour and maintained close ties with the TUC because of its significant contribution to national governance.
He argued that the NDC should draw lessons from that experience while remaining politically alert in its engagement with the labour movement.
Mr. Koomson further alleged that the opposition NPP has gained considerable influence within the TUC.
He also criticised what he described as the TUC’s inconsistent public positions, particularly on the issue of illegal mining.
“It is surprising that the TUC became vocal on illegal mining shortly after the NDC assumed office, despite the widespread concerns over galamsey during the previous administration,” he said.
Mr. Koomson added that the GFL had, on several occasions, distanced itself from statements issued by the TUC, insisting that those positions did not necessarily reflect the views of all organised labour groups in the country.
Meanwhile, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has rejected suggestions that the proposed tribunal system is intended to target members of the opposition NPP.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Ayariga said the Tribunals Bill is designed to improve the administration of justice by addressing delays in the country’s court system, rather than serving any political purpose.
He argued that no political party remains in power indefinitely and questioned the logic of creating a judicial system that could eventually be used against its own members.
“When they say we are setting it up to try NPP people for political persecution, it is as if the NDC will remain in power forever.
That is not the case. If we establish such a system today, a future government could also use it against us,” he stated.
The Majority Leader explained that the proposed tribunals are intended to expedite the hearing of specialised criminal and civil cases, noting that delays within the traditional court system have long been a source of public concern.
He said the legislation includes measures to ensure the speedy adjudication of cases and improve access to justice.
Parliament recently passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, after it successfully completed its third reading.
The legislation seeks to reintroduce regional tribunals under a revised legal framework aimed at strengthening the administration of justice and ensuring the timely resolution of specialised cases.
