The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has announced that its leadership will not participate in the 2026 May Day celebrations, citing disagreements over the organisation and structure of the event.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Abraham Koomson, the federation said the decision followed unresolved concerns regarding the inclusiveness and collective ownership of the May Day programme.

May Day, observed globally, commemorates the struggles of workers for improved conditions, including the historic fight for the eight-hour working day, while also serving as a platform for labour solidarity and advocacy.

The GFL noted that Ghana’s labour landscape has evolved significantly, particularly following the enactment of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which recognises multiple labour centres and independent unions.

It argued that the May Day celebration should therefore reflect the collective voice of all organised labour, rather than being dominated by a single entity.

According to the statement, an earlier agreement reached among three labour centres at a meeting held at the GNAT Hall on April 23, 2026, had outlined a shared programme for the event.

This included provisions for the FORUM Chairman to deliver the welcome address, while the Trades Union Congress (TUC) would deliver the main May Day speech.

However, the GFL said the arrangement was later rejected by the TUC’s Management Committee at a subsequent meeting held on April 27 at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, effectively undermining the consensus reached.

Describing the development as a setback to unity within organised labour, the GFL said its decision to withdraw from leadership participation was aimed at safeguarding inclusiveness, fairness, and the dignity of all labour groups within Ghana’s plural labour system.

Despite the boycott at the leadership level, the federation encouraged its rank-and-file members to participate in the May Day parade peacefully and in solidarity with other workers.

The GFL also called on its members to remain disciplined, promote unity, and advocate for accountable and inclusive leadership, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges affecting workers.

The development highlights growing tensions within Ghana’s labour movement ahead of this year’s May Day celebrations.