Friday, 03 July

Communications Ministry orders Ghana Digital Centres to withdraw staff suspension directive

News
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George,

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has directed the management of Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL) to rescind its decision to suspend the employment contracts of all staff following flood damage to the company's Accra headquarters.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, the Ministry rejected the directive contained in an internal circular, describing it as unacceptable and instructing employees to disregard the notice with immediate effect.

"The Ministry takes a very strong view of the directive and immediately instructs Management to reverse that decision. All GDCL staff are to disregard the directive," the statement said.

GDCL had earlier announced that all staff contracts would be temporarily suspended from July 1 after severe flooding on June 29 caused extensive damage to the facility, disrupting operations and affecting businesses operating within the technology hub.

The Ministry, however, assured employees of its support, acknowledging that many staff members had also been personally affected by the floods.

It further disclosed that GDCL's management had been summoned to a meeting on Thursday, July 2, to discuss the circumstances surrounding the decision and determine the way forward.

The development follows a visit by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to the centre on June 30 to inspect the extent of the flood damage and assess its impact on businesses and operations at the facility.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited, Christine Adwoa Agyapomaa Ansong, has defended the suspended-contract directive, insisting it should not be interpreted as a dismissal of staff.

According to her, the measure became necessary after floodwaters severely damaged sections of the complex, leaving parts of the facility unsafe for use and significantly disrupting the centre's revenue-generating activities.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang