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
WN/R: NPP running mate pledges support for small-scale miners if Bawumia is elected
10:08Gov’t launches $6 million Circular Economy centre at Ho Technical Uni. to drive sustainable growth
12:18Report on Northern Ghana compromised by Jihadists ‘over-exaggerated’ – Bombande
17:42NPP unveils alleged NDC power grab scheme, warns democracy at Risk in Dec. 7 polls
09:48Speaker adjourns Parliament indefinitely
15:29Bawku: Kusaug overlord suspends NPP activities, condemns leadership amid rising tensions
09:04Bawumia pledges to scrap passport forms, simplify process with Ghana Card integration
11:00You're better off with NPP in power – Napo to Pantang trainee nurses
18:04VFS Global handles UK visa applications now
01:54Speaker requested GAF to sweep chamber for bombs ahead of today's sitting
15:22