President John Dramani Mahama has used the 2026 May Day celebration to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s recent economic stability into tangible growth, jobs, and improved livelihoods for workers across the country.
In a Workers’ Day message shared through the Presidency Communications platform and his official social media pages on Friday, May 1, the President praised Ghanaian workers for their resilience and contribution to national development, describing them as the “engines of national transformation.”
The President’s message formed part of this year’s International Workers’ Day celebrations, which are being marked nationwide under the theme, “Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond Macroeconomic Stability.” National celebrations are taking place in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, where organised labour groups, government officials, and workers from both the public and private sectors have gathered for the annual parade and activities.
Mahama Shifts Focus to Growth
In his May Day message, President Mahama stated that the government had successfully restored macroeconomic stability under the “Resetting Ghana” agenda and was now shifting aggressively toward economic expansion and opportunity creation.
“On this May Day, we celebrate the resilient Ghanaian worker. Having successfully restored macroeconomic stability through our #ResettingGhana agenda, we are now aggressively pivoting to growth.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He stressed that the government’s focus was no longer limited to managing the economy but rather expanding it in ways that would directly improve the lives of ordinary workers.
“We are not just managing the economy; we are expanding it to ensure that every worker feels the benefit in their pocket.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
The statement reflects a broader economic direction that President Mahama has consistently promoted in recent months, particularly through his “Resetting Ghana” policy framework aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence, and creating sustainable growth opportunities
Government Prioritises Job Creation
The President also highlighted employment generation and youth empowerment as key priorities of his administration going forward. According to him, the next phase of the government’s agenda would focus heavily on creating decent and sustainable jobs while empowering Ghana’s workforce through investments in value addition and the digital economy.
“Our mission is clear: to turn stability into opportunity. Under the #ResettingGhana agenda, we will continue to prioritise the creation of decent jobs for our youth and workforce.”
Statement from the Presidency Communications of Ghana.
The President further indicated that the government intended to position Ghanaian workers to benefit meaningfully from emerging sectors of the economy rather than merely participating at the margins.
“By investing in value-addition and the digital economy, we will ensure that the Ghanaian worker is not just employed but empowered,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama.
The message comes at a time when employment generation, rising living costs, and wage concerns continue to dominate discussions between organised labour and government. Recent labour engagements have focused on the need for improved salaries, sustainable livelihoods, and stronger support for workers amid ongoing economic reforms.
Workers Recognised for National Contribution
President Mahama also used the occasion to acknowledge the contribution of Ghanaian workers to national development and economic recovery .Describing workers as the backbone of the country’s transformation agenda, he commended their resilience during difficult economic periods and pledged continued government support.
“Happy Workers’ Day to the engines of our national transformation,” the President stated in one of the messages circulated by Presidency Communications. The Presidency’s May Day communication was accompanied by the slogan “Beyond Stability: Building the New Ghana,” which reflects the administration’s attempt to move public discourse from economic recovery toward long-term growth and development.
The message also aligns with recent government initiatives aimed at expanding entrepreneurship opportunities and youth participation in the economy. One of such initiatives is the recently launched Students Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Programme spearheaded by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, which seeks to support young entrepreneurs and promote innovation among students.
May Day Celebration Held in Koforidua
This year’s national May Day parade is being held at Jackson Park in Koforidua, with thousands of workers from different sectors participating in the celebration. The event has brought together labour unions, civil servants, security agencies, teachers, health workers, transport unions, and informal sector workers in celebration of International Workers’ Day.
Government officials say the occasion provides an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of Ghanaian workers while also engaging labour groups on key national issues. May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated annually on May 1 in many countries around the world to honour workers and advocate improved labour conditions and workers’ rights.
In Ghana, the day remains one of the most important events on the national labour calendar and often serves as a platform for discussions on wages, employment, social protection, and economic policy. President Mahama’s message is expected to form part of broader engagements between government and organised labour as the administration pushes its economic growth agenda beyond the current stabilisation phase.
