Former port workers demand ‘benefits’ with threats of votes

Aggrieved ex workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), have given management of the port, a five day ultimatum to address their concerns or face their wrath. Over two hundred of the ex-workers this morning picketed at the headquarters of GPHA in Tema. According to them, management has not treated them fairly after ...

Aggrieved ex workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), have given management of the port, a five day ultimatum to address their concerns or face their wrath.

Over two hundred of the ex-workers this morning picketed at the headquarters of GPHA in Tema.

According to them, management has not treated them fairly after a decade of their compulsory retirement.

Over five thousand workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority were affected in a restructuring exercise carried out by the Authority under a World Bank funded program.

Presenting the petition on behalf of the aggrieved ex-workers, the leader, Stephen Ashitey stressed they will be compelled to resort to other legal actions if management fails to meet the November 7 deadline.

“We have so many plans on the drawing board; but we have decided to undertake series of actions even before the elections. We also intend to sabotage the presidential elections due to the lack of commitment of both Presidential candidates for the two main political parties; Nana Akuffo Addo and President Mahama,” he stated.

Mr. Ashitey added, “They would have to explain to us why they prefer to consider their interests when issues of ex-gratia come into question regarding the provisions made by the constitution.”

Citi News’ Tema Correspondent, Elvis Washington reports that the workers who stormed the premises were clad in red and black dresses with red cloth tired around their necks and wrists.

According to him, they yielded placards with inscriptions some of which read; ‘Pay us our money,’ ‘The 14 years of waiting is over’, ‘we are dying Mr. President’, ‘corruption is a high risk venture Mr. President’ among others.

Meanwhile the spokesperson for the ex workers, Lord Nsia Laryea said the ex workers would take another line of action if nothing is heard from them.

“As we present this petition today, we wish to sound it clear to the leadership of Ghapoha that we have waited for them for far too long and we can no longer wait. We have given them up to Monday to address our issues and failure to do so, we shall advice ourselves,” he stressed.

But receiving the petition on behalf of management, the General Manager in charge of administration at the ports; Adjei Sam urged the ex-workers to exercise restraint.

According to him, management would take a decision and communicate to them appropriately, in due course.

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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/Elvis Washington/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

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