The General Secretary of Industrial and Commercial Workers Union’s (ICU), has called on government to pay private sector workers as well, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Solomon Kotei said should government do that, it will serve as a strong relief to most employers and employees since the Covid-19 pandemic has collapsed many businesses within the country.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnite programme on Monday, Mr Kotei argued that, the private sector has contributed significantly to the growth of Ghana’s economy, therefore, its workers must be supported in these dire times.

“The private sector are those paying the taxes, doing the recruitment, and many others which significantly boosts the economy.

So in times like these, where they are facing hardships, it is only proper that, within a brief period, government can step in and show them the solidarity that we believe the whole world is doing now,” he stated.

“At the moment, it is just me working. I have told my staff to stay home because when they come, they don’t care whether people walk in or not, at the end of the month they will be expecting their salary,” businesswoman, Rebecca Appiah told JoyNews:

Stressing on more support for private companies and businesses, the ICU General Secretary, said the utility relief provided by government is woefully inadequate.

In view this, he noted that companies are currently not in full operation so the free water and 50% reduction in electricity bill, will not impact the businesses significantly.

“Some companies are not in full operation and therefore, the utilities are not being used to the fullest so that in itself is not a relief.

“We are not saying that is not a good move from the President but its impact, I beg to differ it might not give us the desired results.”