CUBA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN-GHANA STATEMENT ON MAY DAY 2022

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On the occasion of ‘May Day’, the Cuban Solidarity Campaign salutes all the working people of Ghana
and their organizations for their immense contribution to the effort to improve the people’s quality of life
and stand up for the ideals of democracy, justice, and peace.
We note in particular the heroic roles played by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) especially Railway
and Engine Men’s Unions in the struggle against classical colonialism leading to the independence of
Ghana on March 6, 1957.

As the Cuban Solidarity Campaign, we see the significance of the fact that Ghana’s first Ambassador to
Cuba, was a trade unionist, His Excellency Ofei Henaku who laid the foundation for the excellent relations
that exists between the two countries.

Today Ghana- Cuba relations cover a wide area of co-operation including education, medicine, sports, the
sciences and culture. The Cuban Medical Brigade has a significant presence in Ghana and its Brigadiers
are serving in various hospitals and clinics especially in rural communities. Cuban experts have also
worked with their Ghanaian counterparts to improve sports especially boxing. Cuba and Ghana are also
currently working on a malaria eradication project and Cuban academics are working in tertiary
institutions.
Our campaign deeply appreciates the support that organised labour in Ghana has extended to the Cuban
people and government over the years. This support has enabled the Cuban people to cope with the very
harsh conditions imposed on them for more than sixty years as a result of the illegal blockade imposed by
the government of the United States of America.

The unjustifiable blockade has prevented the Cuban people from gaining access to some equipment and
medicines for the treatment of some ailments. Thousands of Cubans have died as a result of the over the
sixty-year period of blockade. It has also contributed significantly to the economic hardship faced by Cuba and its people as some estimates put the total loss to the national economy at billions of dollars.

In spite of these setbacks, Cuba has managed to develop an educational system which is the envy of the
world. An educational system that provides free access to all educational institutions and provides the
critical manpower needs of Cuba and many countries around the world.

Cuba has also taken access to health seriously and continues to provide healthcare to all Cubans at all
levels. Indeed, since the outbreak of COVID-19 Cuba has managed to produce two vaccines for its
citizens and people throughout the world. Cuba is continuing to extend significant assistance to many
countries including European countries in the fight against Covid-19. Cuba was also in the frontline of the
battle against Ebola during the outbreak in West Africa.
The Cuban Solidarity Campaign joins millions of people all over the world, including youth and students,
political leaders, women activists, trade unionists and human rights advocates in calling for an immediate
end to the illegal blockade of Cuba by the United States of America.

On this occasion of celebrations, the Cuban solidarity campaign would like to express our unending
support to the Cuban people for their heroic sacrifices and consolidated effort in the fight against
Western imperial manipulations. We stand with you in this fight to the end because you have been
there for us in our difficult times. Our solidarity with Cuba will continue until such a time when the
powers of imperialism against this sovereign state is totally dismantled.
We also demand an immediate halt to all acts of the aggression including plots to assassinate leaders of
the Cuban revolution on this occasion of worker’s day which is marked with grand ceremonies in Cuba.
We declare our full solidarity with the Cuban government and people in the face of the aggressive actions
of imperialism.
Long live Cuba!
Long live Ghana!
Long live Cuban-Ghana relationship!

Signed.
Naa Ayele S. Ardayfio Sekyere
Convene