Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has stated that the TUC was challenged like other Unions in Africa to contribute to the consolidation of democracy, and to protect the sovereignty of the nation especially in economic decision-making. He said the TUC would also contribute towards sub-regional and regional integrations in Africa and make its voice heard at multinational forum. Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah was addressing a meeting on economic issues, organised by the Kumasi District Labour Council, on Thursday in Kumasi. The Secretary-General emphasized "the campaign for a living wage, adequate protection, particularly in old age and retirement and better safety and health at workplace also constituted critical challenge to the union." He said the TUC was seeking to extend its activities to the informal sector of the economy, to secure representation for all workers and also assist them to engage in cooperative and self-help ventures. Mrs Nadia Ibrahim, Head of the Gender Desk of the TUC, noted that the figures announced in 2007 budget estimates indicated that the nation's economic performance continued to improve in spite of shocks introduced by the higher oil prices earlier last year. Miss Georgina Opoku, chairperson for Kumasi District Council of Labour called for continued support and participation of members of the union to promote industrial peace in the country. Source GNA