GPHA refutes ex-casual workers’ claims; warns against planned demo

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has refuted claims made by former casual workers who are threatening a public demonstration over alleged unpaid compensation.
The Authority in a statement, clarified the situation and counter misinformation circulating through social media.
According to the GPHA, the controversy stems from a restructuring process initiated in 2001, following government advice and World Bank recommendations to reform port operations.
This reform led to the privatisation of significant port functions, resulting in a substantial reduction of GPHA staff.
The Authority detailed that while permanent staff were offered generous compensation packages and options for early voluntary or compulsory retirement, casual workers received a goodwill payment.
“During the restructuring exercise, the Authority, out of its magnanimity, decided to pay the casual workers a certain sum out of goodwill (a handshake in our parlance) for their service,” the statement explained.
It emphasised that the Authority was not obligated to provide severance to casual workers, who were employed on a daily basis without rights to long-term benefits.
The statement further clarified that the casual workers had previously taken legal action against GPHA, which culminated in Supreme Court rulings in their favour.
The cases were conclusively resolved with judgments dated May 29, 2014, and the attempts to reopen the matter have been unsuccessful.
“The matter travelled to the Supreme Court and they lost. Not satisfied, they invoked the review jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and again lost,” the statement noted.
The Authority expressed frustration over the recurring nature of these claims, particularly in election years, suggesting that such actions aim to exert undue pressure on GPHA.
“This group almost always surfaces in every election year with the intention to blackmail the Authority to pay to them what they do not deserve,” GPHA asserted.
The GPHA underscored its adherence to labour laws and regulations, ensuring that all employee separations are handled in compliance with contractual and legal standards.
“The recent assertions made by the aforementioned group and their threats of intended demonstration are baseless and not supported by factual evidence,” the statement emphasised.
The GPHA also reminded the public that while demonstrations are constitutionally protected, they must be conducted within the bounds of the law and security considerations.
“Any attempt to unduly disrupt operations will have security implications,” the Authority warned.
Source: classfmonline.com/Elikem Adiku
Trending News
It was wicked for Akufo-Addo to fund opposition parties secretly to cause NPP's defeat: Atik Mohammed
18:27President Mahama speaks on 120-day social contract today
02:41President Mahama to unveil code of conduct for appointees today
12:46Kasoa: NDC member urges President Mahama to make lawlessness a national priority
04:19WFP raises alarm over worsening hunger crisis in West and Central Africa
13:58Michael Kpakpo Allotey takes over as Mayor of Accra
02:30NPP-led coalition petitions Judiciary over suspension of Chief Justice
12:25E/R: Five killed in deadly shooting at Asiyaw sand winning site
01:46Cedi performance: Credit Bawumia for his gold reserve initiative – Kofi Bentil
13:32Parliamentary Committee lauds Dredge Masters for Accra flood control measures
17:44