By Elizabeth Punsu
The Ashanti Regional production unit of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has suspended water supply to customers across the region since last Thursday evening.
This development comes as a fallout from a protest by disgruntled GWCL staff over the partial demolition of residences belonging to two of their directors by a private developer.
Residents in the region have been severely impacted, with many walking long distances in search of water. Others have resorted to purchasing water from neighbours with private boreholes at a fee.
Staff allegations and protest
Vice Chairman of the GWCL Senior Staff Union, Emmanuel Okpoti Kodiah, addressing journalists at a press conference last week to announce their decision to cut off water supply within 48 hours if their request does not see the light of day.
He alleged that the demolition was orchestrated by Rose Hamilton, the purported owner of the Crystal Rose Ambassador Hotel, through her contractors. Mr. Kodiah described the act as unlawful and a reprehensible attack on the company’s assets.
“We, the workers union of Ghana Water Company Limited in the Ashanti Region, have learnt with great concern and outrage about the unlawful destruction of the residences of two of our managers by Rose Hamilton. This act undermines the efforts of managers who come here to work for the progress of the company, only to be rendered homeless by private profiteers. This is absurd and unfortunate, especially in a country grappling with developmental challenges and growing population needs,” he stated.
Mr. Kodiah further alleged that the actions of private developers, supported by political figures, threaten the foundational stability of GWCL’s establishments. He highlighted the recent demolition of fences and boys’ quarters at two directors’ bungalows as worrying.
“We are not happy with the rate at which political and private interests are being pursued against our properties. These acts are undermining our operations, and we will not relent in our efforts to protect what is rightfully ours,” he emphasised.
Call for intervention
The union called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President-elect John Dramani Mahama, and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene in the matter.
“We are sounding a strong note of caution to Rose Hamilton, her associates and the faceless political figures behind this. The affected properties will remain GWCL’s assets into the future, and we will resist any attempts to take them. We urge the President, President-elect Mahama and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to take decisive action to stop this plunder,” Kodiah stated.
He also called on the police to investigate Rose Hamilton and her contractors, warning that the union’s protest would intensify if their demands were not met.
“Come Friday at 9 a.m., if the demolished walls are not rebuilt, do not expect water supply to resume. Those advising Rose Hamilton and the political forces supporting her should understand that the Ashanti production union has risen and will not back down until the right actions are taken,” he warned.
The post GWCL cuts water supply across Ashanti Region appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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