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Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, has acknowledged the hard work of workers which has led to the growth and progress of affairs in the Region.

"I am inspired to congratulate all workers on this occasion for your hard work over the years and to ask for your continuous support in order to put the Western Region on a higher pedestal", he said.

A statement signed by the Regional Minister and copied the Ghana News Agency said the celebration could not take the usual format of pop and pageantry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the health measures adopted to forestall its spread.

This year’s May Day Celebration is on the theme: “COVID -19 in Ghana: Impact on Employment and Working Conditions”.

Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a lockdown around the world and all the affected countries are working assiduously to stop the pandemic.

Globally, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), a total of 81 per cent of the 3.3 billion people have had their workplaces fully or partly closed and restrictions on daily life have led to the closure of many companies and staff lay-offs either permanently or temporarily.

The statement said despite the effects of COVID-19, the invaluable contribution of labour to the socio-economic development and the well-being of Ghanaians cannot go without recognition.
I therefore say ‘’Ayeekoooo!!!’’ to all our gallant workers.

Government, the statement said, has instituted and is currently rolling out some interventions to bring relief to both formal and informal sector workers as well as the vulnerable in society.

"A case in point is the free water and electricity as well as some financial support to cushion both the public and private sector enterprises (the major employer) in order to mitigate the impact of the deadly virus on the economy adding, I believe there is consensus on what we all want for ourselves and for our Region to offer the best to the development of the nation."

We want a well-developed network of infrastructure and the highest standard of living for our people. We shall not relent in working hard even in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic, the statement said.

The statement said there is the need for the citizenry to stay safe and stay home to avoid the contraction and spread of the disease; the quest and concerted efforts to save lives has become more crucial at the moment, hence the “Stay At Home” strategy.

The Government is assuring you, workers and businesses in Ghana, that you are its true “development partners” and your ideas are critical in the management and development of the nation.

The statement appreciated the private sector for raising to the challenge and leading the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), test kits, hand-washing accessories locally in Ghana, which is a proof that everything is 'doable' in Ghana and therefore, we do not need to rely on imports.

"I look forward to all workers giving of their best at all times even during this pandemic where many of you are working from home. Remember, this too shall pass. We shall continue to be united, re-double our efforts and pool our resources as a people to rebuild our Region and our Homeland Ghana, when this pandemic is over."

He expressed his gratitude and that of the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council to all the frontline workers -being the health care workers, the Rapid Response Teams, the security agencies, media and other critical public servants.

"I also acknowledge the encouragement and prayers of our chiefs, religious leaders and the material/financial support from public-spirited individuals and organizations; not forgetting everybody else whose efforts has brought us this far, We are not going to relax on the rules, let alone let down our guard.

We are in this together. We can all participate in the war against the deadly virus by adhering strictly to the Health protocols and by staying at home; but if you have to go out, wear your face mask".