This year’s celebration of the 140th edition of International Labour Day in Bafoussam took on a special character. Due to ongoing modernization works at the Ceremonial Square, the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine, opted for the Tocket Stadium, which provided a solemn setting for a ceremony marked by administrative rigor and exceptional mobilization of key stakeholders.
The prestige of this edition was enhanced by the presence of numerous high‑ranking personalities alongside the Head of the Region. Notable among them were the Vice‑President of the Economic and Social Council, Members of Parliament, and senior judicial authorities of the Region. The industrial and services sector was also strongly represented, notably by the General Manager of HYSACAM, illustrating the close synergy between republican institutions and the economic fabric.
The official speeches opened with a welcome address by the Mayor of the City of Bafoussam, who praised the dynamism of local economic actors before giving way to one of the most anticipated moments of the celebration: the recognition of merit.
This solemn phase was marked by the personal involvement of Governor Awa Fonka Augustine. In view of the large number of honorees, the Governor personally presided over the presentation of Gold Medals, supported by a high‑level administrative team. The Secretary General of the Governor’s Services, Mr. EPENTE TAZEU Adray, the Senior Divisional Officer of the Mifi Division, Mr. FOFIE MBOUEDIA Christophe, as well as the Sub‑Divisional Officers of Bafoussam I (Mr. Daouda Ousmanou), Bafoussam II (Mr. ESSONO BODO Grégoire Bertrand), and Bafoussam III (Mr. Edwin FORBA Edward), assisted in decorating the other recipients.
In total, over 300 dedicated workers were honored, representing more than 400 decorations, including Silver, Vermeil, and Gold Medals, symbols of their remarkable professional longevity and commitment.
Once the decorations had been awarded, the floor was given to the social partners. Representatives of the various trade union confederations (CGSTC, FENTEDCAM, CSAC, CSTC, and UGTC) took turns at the podium to faithfully convey workers’ aspirations, with emphasis on the promotion of decent work.
In response, Governor Awa Fonka Augustine delivered his official address. In a closing speech that was both concise and resolute, he reaffirmed the State’s commitment to supporting workers, while calling for sincere collaboration in the pursuit of regional development.
These speeches paved the way for the grand civil parade. Accompanied by the sound of the marching band, participating companies transformed the Tocket Stadium field into a vibrant display of color, discipline, and organization. At the end of the parade, the jury delivered its verdict, awarding first place to Groupe La Paix with an excellent score, followed respectively by Boulangerie de la Poste Centrale, Rural Investment Credit (RIC), the Bafoussam City Council, and HYSACAM, thus completing the performance honors list.
The outstanding success of this special celebration benefited from the technical expertise and advisory support of Mrs. Irène Flaure NGOUFFO TSEFO, Regional Delegate of Labour and Social Security for the West Region. Assisted by her close collaborators, she acted as the Governor’s strategic adviser, ensuring meticulous oversight of social issues and technical coordination of this 140th Labour Day celebration, thereby confirming the unwavering commitment of the West Region’s workforce.
See also: May 1st in Pictures
