"Social protection cannot be guaranteed without transparent social dialogue within the tripartite commission on social protection, which brings together representatives of the government, trade unions and employers' organisations," Deputy Secretary General of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), in charge of social protection and the informal sector, Othmane Jallouli said on Tuesday. At a press conference on "the reality of social protection in a period of stalled social dialogue," held at the Arab Maghreb Workers' Union seat, Jallouli pointed out that the social protection issue should be managed through social dialogue, stating that "the UGTT's social protection department called for an increase in the minimum wage, across all categories, given that 75% of pensions are below this wage." "The Finance Law 2024 contradicts everything that was agreed upon within the Social Dialogue Commission," he indicated, denouncing the inconsistency between the measures taken and the texts published by the various s tructures involved in social protection. Jallouli pointed out that the tax system had not encouraged workers in the informal sector and the self-employed to join the social protection system, even though this could generate large amounts of financial revenue that could support the budgets of the social funds. He also deplored the fact that the Social Affairs Ministry had resorted to making decisions regarding the social funds without consulting the tripartite commission, accusing it of intending to turn the funds into financial institutions. The UGTT Deputy General Secretary called on the Social Affairs Ministry to focus on its social role. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited, has donated hospital beds and accessories to the Nangodi Hospital in the Nabdam District of the Upper East region. The items included four beds and accessories donated by Cardinal Resources as part of gesture to enhance healthcare delivery in the area, in line with the company's corporate social responsibility. It was witnessed by the Vice President of Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited, Mr. Feng Boali, the District Chief Executive of Nabdam, Madam Agnes Anamoo, hospital staff, community leaders, and members. Mr Maxwell Wooma, Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent of the company expressed optimism that the donation of the beds would alleviate the strain on the hospital's capacity and enhance its ability to provide quality healthcare services to residents of Nabdam. 'Our principle as Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited is based on shared value, ensuring that while we are working, we also give back to the communities, so that, they do not remain in situ. That is w hy today, Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited is here to donate four hospital beds with their complete accessories, to help save the needless referrals that we have been having because of our incapacity to contain inpatients in this health center.' Mr. Wooma said. Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited for the past years has been conducting exploration of gold in Nandogi area and the district at large. Mr Wooma recounted that his outfit and the communities, especially, people in the Nangodi area 'enjoyed a unique, harmonious relations' during the exploration period. He commended the Nabdam district assembly, and the Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, Napariyeong Kosom Yelzoya Asaga II for their unflinching support during the exploration. Mr Wooma disclosed that the donation of the hospital beds was based on a request from the assembly member of the Nangodi electoral area, Mr Sampana Zure Abaa which included the need to renovate the Nangodi hospital. 'However, considering the timing of the request, w e saw it necessary for us to support this way and to find enough time, to come back later to continue to support,' the Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent added. Mr Avolsure Maxwell, a Physician Assistant in charge of the Nangodi Health Centre, on behalf of the hospital staff and management, expressed gratitude for the timely donation, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on healthcare delivery. He appealed to the mining firm to support the hospital with items such as haematology analyzers for testing full blood count, and ultrasound machines for pregnancy scanning. District Chief Executive for Nangodi, Madam Agnes Anamoo, commended Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited for their generosity. 'Try and renovate the hospital and write boldly on it, that, it was renovated by Cardinal, and anyone who comes, will appreciate what the company has done for the district' She commended the company for supporting the assembly with planning to honour deserving farmers during this year's Farmers' Day celebration. The assembly member for the Nangodi electoral area, Mr Sampana thanked them for responding to his request for the hospital beds. 'I have also made other requests, and by tomorrow, we will be getting three boreholes from Cardinal Resources Ghana Limited. We appreciate all the company is doing for the communities and we will continue to support them anytime they are in need,' he added. Source: Ghana News Agency