On Thursday July 24, 2014 all workers will lay down their tools in protest over worsening economic conditions in the country.

The one day nationwide strike, which will be the first in decades, was declared by the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Mr Kofi Asamoah at a press conference, Friday.

“All workers including those of you in the media, formal and informal are to stay away from work and converge at designated locations in Accra and other regional capitals to demonstrate,” he announced.

Prices of commodities, services, have all gone up, a situation labour described as unbearable.

On July 1 utility prices were increased. So too was fuel prices which have had a trickling effect on the prices of goods and services.

Transport fares have been increased across board with its attendant chaos between passengers on one hand and drivers and conductors on the other.

A tin of milk which used to be sold at GhȻ2.00 only last month is now selling GhȻ2.50. The price of cement was sold at GhȻ 28.00 but it is now selling at Ȼ 35.00.

In protest over the worsening economic conditions, some middle class citizens in Accra, on Ghana's Republic Day went on a demonstation, christened Occupy Flag Staff House to register their protest against the high cost of living in the country.

These price increases and protests notwithstanding, government is threatening to withdraw all subsidies on fuel and utilities which cushion the citizenry and would further worsen the standard of living. 

In a mid-year review to Parliament, the Finance Minister on Wednesday dismissed assertions the economy was in crisis and accused critics of exaggerating the challenges facing the economy. He said the medium term prospects were brighter and assured Ghanaians of a better times.

But it appears government assurances are not assuring enough for the workers who have vowed to sit at home for a whole day on Thursday.

Mr Asamoah also charged all employers to join in the strike if they are affected by the worsening economic conditions.

At the press conference, Mr Asamoah lamented the high standard of living in the country.  Joy News' Fred Smith who was at the press conference reported the TUC boss as saying the prices of everything has shot up.

As a preliminary petition, Mr Asamoah demanded that government should with immediate effect reduce the prices of fuel.

That he believes will be the first step towards ameliorating the high cost of living in the country.