The appeal follows a strike and demonstration by staff over management’s decision on the proposed salary increase for 2026.

In a statement, the NLA said management remained committed to resolving the impasse and was actively engaging the National Labour Commission (NLC) through an arbitration process.

Salary negotiations

According to the NLA, the local union initially requested a 17% salary increase for all staff for 2026, but management offered 12%.

Management explained that the decision was influenced by a tax liability involving unpaid taxes on staff salaries covering a six-year period from 2016 to 2022.

The NLA said the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) had identified an incorrect application of income tax on staff salaries, resulting in tax arrears of more than GH¢5 million.

Following engagements with the GRA, the NLA Board and management agreed to absorb the tax arrears at no cost to staff.

However, the Authority said the decision to correct the tax anomaly and apply the appropriate taxes going forward affected employees’ net salaries.

The union subsequently demanded a 17% salary increase to cushion staff against the impact.

The NLA said the Board initially approved only a 10% increase due to the financial burden of absorbing the tax arrears and other budgetary constraints.

Management said it subsequently pushed for an additional 2%, bringing its final offer to 12%.

The union rejected the offer, declared a deadlock in negotiations and referred the matter to the NLC.

FWSC recommendation

The NLA said it had earlier written to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on February 11, 2026, seeking guidance on the salary negotiations.

According to the Authority, the FWSC, in a response dated June 11, advised it to increase salaries by 8%, based on the NLA’s financial strength.

The local union subsequently served management with a notice on Friday, August 21, announcing its intention to embark on a sit-down strike and demonstration on Monday, August 24.

The NLA is therefore urging the union and staff to suspend the industrial action and return to negotiations while the matter is being addressed through the appropriate processes.

Management also assured lotto marketing companies, private lotto operators, third-party collaborators and other stakeholders that it remained committed to fulfilling the Authority’s mandate of raising revenue for national development.

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According to him, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department is collaborating with the SLTF to recover the debts through salary deductions, in line with existing legal and regulatory provisions governing public-sector payroll administration.

Mr Agyei disclosed this on Thursday, June 18, at the launch of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Student Loan Trust Fund.

He explained that the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen loan recovery mechanisms and ensure the long-term sustainability of the student loan scheme, enabling more students to access financial support for tertiary education.

“We have already identified over 4,000 on the government payroll through the collaboration with the Trust Fund. In the coming days, we will engage with the Trust Fund on the modalities of implementing these deductions. We envisage that this deduction will become one of the important statutory sanctions on their salaries,” he said.

Mr Agyei noted that the planned deductions are expected to improve compliance among beneficiaries who have completed their studies and are now employed within the public sector.

He added that the measure would also enhance loan recoveries and strengthen the financial sustainability of the Fund, ensuring that future generations of students continue to benefit from the scheme.

The Student Loan Trust Fund has, in recent years, intensified efforts to improve repayment rates and expand access to tertiary education financing, with loan recoveries remaining a key pillar in sustaining its operations.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Loan Trust Fund, Dr Saajida Shiraz, announced a 50 percent increase in access to the regular student loan package.

She attributed the improvement to the timely release of funds from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which has significantly boosted the fund’s capacity to support students.

According to Dr Shiraz, the fund has disbursed more than GH¢127 million to over 46,000 students and has successfully met all loan requests received during the period under review.

She said the achievement reflects ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities and reduce financial barriers confronting students pursuing higher education.

Also speaking at the event, the Board Chairman of GETFund, Emmanuel Bedzrah, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting student financing through the timely release of funds.

He assured stakeholders that GETFund would continue to work closely with the Student Loan Trust Fund to ensure students receive the financial assistance needed to pursue their academic ambitions.

The Student Loan Trust Fund was established to provide financial support to eligible tertiary students and has, over the past two decades, become a key source of educational financing for thousands of students across the country.

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His remarks come amid growing concerns over the increasing traffic challenges in Accra and other parts of the country, which have been exacerbated by recent heavy rains and the deteriorating condition of several roads.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Kwofie said the persistent traffic situation is placing significant physical and mental strain on workers, often causing delays beyond their control.

He urged employers to consider flexible working hours and provide short rest periods to help employees recover from the stress associated with long commutes.

According to him, employers should avoid penalising workers who arrive late due to traffic-related challenges, stressing that a supportive work environment can boost staff morale, efficiency, and productivity.

Meanwhile, the Director of Education, Research and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), ACP Alexander K. Obeng, attributed the worsening congestion largely to poor road conditions and recent heavy rainfall.

He explained that several roads across the country require urgent repairs and rehabilitation to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety.

ACP Obeng disclosed that the police are deploying additional personnel to manage traffic at critical points while collaborating with road agencies to address congestion hotspots.

He added that the MTTD is also working closely with towing service providers to ensure the swift removal of broken-down vehicles that often contribute to traffic build-ups.

The senior police officer further advised motorists to avoid overloading their vehicles and stay off the roads during heavy downpours to ensure their safety.

Drivers who spoke to Adom News expressed frustration over the persistent congestion, saying it is increasing fuel consumption, reducing productivity, and affecting their daily operations.

Residents also described the current traffic situation as one of the most difficult they have experienced in recent times and called for urgent government intervention to improve road infrastructure and provide lasting relief to commuters.

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The research, conducted by Prof Smart Sarpong of the Kumasi Technical University, attributes the low savings rate to inadequate salaries, particularly within the private sector, where workers remain the most poorly paid.

According to the findings, 67.8 per cent of workers reported that their expenditure exceeds their income, leaving them unable to save.

The National Cost of Living Outlook Report for the first quarter of 2026 surveyed 4,155 households across 2,350 communities in eight regions, covering 100 constituencies.

The study focused on the Ashanti, Western, Western North, and Central Regions, as well as Upper East, Northern, Bono, and Bono East regions.

The report further revealed that 95 per cent of workers earn less than GH₵ 5,000 monthly, with more than 36 per cent earning below GH₵1,000.

Public sector employees generally receive better pay compared to their private sector counterparts. While only 6.6 per cent of public sector workers earn less than GH₵1,000 a month, a significant 15.8 per cent of private sector workers fall into this category.

Overall, 58 per cent of private sector workers earn below GH₵2,000, compared to 19.7 per cent in the public sector.

On the higher end, just 18.1 per cent of private sector workers earn above GH₵4,000, while about 55 per cent of public sector workers fall into this bracket.

Rising Cost of Living

The report also sheds light on the rising cost of living. As of the end of the first quarter of 2026, only 14.4 per cent of Ghanaians perceived the cost of living to be low, a sharp decline from 68.8 per cent in 2025.

Meanwhile, 42.8 per cent of respondents said they noticed no significant change compared to last year.
However, there has been a three per cent increase in those who view the cost of living as high.

Key areas identified as costly include electricity, public transport, and mobile services such as call credit and internet access.

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In a May Day message themed Beyond Stability: Building the New Ghana, the President said his administration has successfully restored macroeconomic stability under the #ResettingGhana agenda and is now moving into what he described as an aggressive pivot to growth.

According to him, the early phase of governance was focused on stabilising the economy, but the next stage will prioritise expanding economic opportunities in ways that directly improve workers’ incomes and livelihoods.

“We are not just managing the economy; we are expanding it to ensure that every worker feels the benefit in their pocket,” he stated.

President Mahama commended Ghanaian workers for their resilience and contribution to national development, describing them as the backbone of the country’s transformation process despite recent economic pressures.

He stressed that the government’s renewed focus will centre on productivity, economic expansion, and job creation, aimed at ensuring that growth translates into tangible benefits for citizens.

Concluding his message, the President extended warm May Day wishes to workers across the country, describing them as “the engines of our national transformation.”

In an interview with Adom News, the minister said there is a gradual return to normalcy in Nkwanta township and its surrounding communities.

He urged workers who have left their posts to return, stressing that security arrangements are being strengthened to protect lives and property.

The renewed violence escalated on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, described by residents as “Black Wednesday,” when five people, including two women, were burnt to death in separate attacks.

In total, about seven deaths have been confirmed, with several properties destroyed.

Mr. Gyapong indicated that authorities have identified the underlying causes of the conflict and are working toward a lasting solution.

He emphasized that sustained peace in Nkwanta is critical to the development of the Oti Region, describing the area as central to the region’s progress.

He further appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies and comply with the ongoing curfew, which remains in force from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

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In a directive dated March 13, 2026, Divisional IMC Secretary Seth Botchway instructed all members of the Public Services Workers Union under the TVET Service to withdraw their services effective Tuesday, March 24.

“All GTVETS–PSWU members…are directed to lay down their tools and withdraw their services until management takes concrete and satisfactory steps to address the numerous concerns raised by the members,” he stated.

The union said the strike became inevitable after several attempts to engage management failed to yield results. It noted that issues raised by members, some dating back to March 10, were not adequately addressed, leading to a breakdown in dialogue.

Although specific grievances were not outlined, union leaders indicated that the concerns have persisted for months, affecting the welfare and working conditions of staff across the TVET system.

They have also called on members to submit additional concerns to be included in future negotiations when dialogue resumes.

Despite the industrial action, the union says it remains open to engagement and has urged management to treat the outstanding issues with urgency to prevent further disruption to teaching and administrative activities nationwide.

Workers have been advised to remain calm, disciplined, and law-abiding throughout the strike, while reporting any cases of intimidation, coercion, or victimisation to union leadership.

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Members are expected to return to work on Monday, June 24, to prepare their materials and officially begin rendering services on June 25.

The decision follows a meeting between the National Labour Commission and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

On June 3, the MELPWU announced the commencement of a nationwide strike on Monday, June 17, 2024.

According to the union, the strike will affect services provided by their members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities across the country.

This decision comes as a response to prolonged delays by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance in concluding negotiations with the union.

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In a statement released by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party extended its best wishes to workers on May 1.

The NDC promised to transform prevailing economic challenges into abundant opportunities, fostering enhanced living standards for every Ghanaian laborer. 

“We pledge to stabilize the economy: We will implement robust policies to control inflation and enhance job security, ensuring economic stability for every Ghanaian. Fair Taxation: We plan to overhaul the tax system to reduce your financial burden and direct government spending towards public benefits that enhance your quality of life,” the statement said.

The NDC also intends to drive the creation of quality employment opportunities through the implementation of its dynamic 24-hour economy policy.

“Create Quality Jobs: By advancing our dynamic 24-hour economy policy, we aim to provide meaningful employment opportunities that can uplift every household. Protect Workers: We are dedicated to enforcing fair labor practices and ensuring robust rights for all workers, defending you against exploitation and injustice. Pension Reform: We promise comprehensive improvements to the pension system to guarantee a secure and dignified retirement for every worker,” the statement affirmed.

The party further lamented the resurgence of power outages (Dumsor), attributing it to the  “ineptitude, mismanagement, incompetence, and poor leadership that have plagued our dear nation.”

“This has not only exacerbated our current predicament but starkly reveals the NPP’s blatant disregard for the welfare of the Ghanaian people,” the party added.

The NDC expressed confidence in ushering in a new era characterized by fairness, economic security, inclusive growth, and prosperity, in collaboration with workers.

“Stand with us, for with the NDC, a brighter future is not just a promise it is a commitment” the statement said.

Below is the full statement

According to District Chief Executive, Samuel Addai Agyekum, the Assembly members, including government appointees, are more than 36 yet they cannot meet revenue target because of low collection.

Mr Agyekum explained the predominantly agricultural economy depends on purchase of farm produce by traders from outside yet their presence cannot be felt in the markets because of COVID-19 scare.

The impact of the pandemic on mobilisation, he revealed, is unbearable exposing them to pressure to review revenue target for the year.

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The Assembly’s Covid-19 response team is currently moving from town to town to educate residents.

Though the assembly is under-resourced, it has procured some medical logistics and other preventive items to hospitals and lorry terminals within the district as they look forward for support from the government through the local Government and Rural Development Ministry.

The Ghana Textiles Workers Union has dismissed claims by the Education Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh that there is a contract advertisement for local companies to manufacture fabrics for the new Junior High School (JHS) uniform.

According to the group, there has been no advertisement or contract bidding that was announced to them as being purported by the Minister.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, General Secretary of the Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Union, Abraham Koomson, urged the Minister to furnish them with evidence of the contract advertisement.

“The president himself has taken control of the importation of such fabrics that’s why I am surprised the Minister spoke the way he did; because there has been no such advertisement,” he said.

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To Mr Koomson, who reiterated government’s pledge at the State of the Nations address to revive local industries, there must be a publication of the companies that won the bid the Minister spoke about.

“Unless they want to create jobs for their own concubines and families, but if there was any advertisement of that sort, all such people must be verified for us to know how they brought the goods here without passing through the Tema Port.”

Listen to him in audio above:

Source: Adomonline.com

The workers, mostly aged men and women and numbering more than 70 had earlier thronged the premises of Nsoatreman Rural Bank Limited in Sunyani, their bankers, to withdraw their allowances, but they were informed their salaries had not hit the account.

It was extremely difficult for the bank to drive them away, as the visibly angry workers would not accept any explanation.

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The Ghana News Agency investigation showed that the company had not paid the workers’ their salaries for the past eight months.

But, the workers rushed to the Bank following an announcement made on a local radio station that the company had effected payment of all arrears.

Operations of the bank, however, halted for some period due to misunderstanding between the bank and the workers.

Tempers flared up between the workers and some staff of the bank but the timely intervention of the Police and other private security operatives calmed down nerves.

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Not satisfied with explanations, the aggrieved workers, clad in red attires took to the street of the regional capital and later proceeded to the office of the company but when the GNA went there, the offices were closed.

Madam Hajia Ramatu, spokesperson for the aggrieved workers, told the GNA that the company directed them to open an E-Zwich account so that their allowances would be paid through it.

“We complied, but when we went to our banks, we were told our allowances has not been paid”, she said.

Madam Ramatu said the company owed workers in arrears for eight months and appealed to government to intervene for them.

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When contacted, Mr George Manu, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Public Jobs Manager of Zoomlion, confirmed the story, adding that the company is in the process of paying the workers.

He said since the beginning of the week the company has paid two months allowances to 2,500 of the about  the 5,000 workers in the region, and appealed to them to exercise restraint, saying all their arrears would be paid by the end of the month.

Over 200 former workers of newly created Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG) have besieged their employer’s office at Asylum down demanding their unpaid salary.

According to the workers, CBG has terminated the contract defunct Unibank had with Top Recruitment Agency but their outstanding arrears have not been paid.

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Speaking to Adom News, the workers said delay payments of their salary is affecting their livelihood.

Efforts to reach CEO of Top Recruitment Agency, Isaac Ansah on delay payments of the salary proved futile.

The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, Pastor Mensa Otabil has incurred the wrath of the staff of defunct Capital Bank for sympathising with them.

According to them, at this trying moment, all they need is their severance package not prayers from their Board Chairman.

Pastor Otabil broke his silence on his role leading to the collapse of Capital Bank under his leadership as Board Chair.

In a statement issued in Accra Tuesday, he said during his non-executive role as Board Chairman of Capital Bank, everything he did was in the best interest of all stakeholders.

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The ICGC General Overseer added that he was concerned about the wellbeing of the staff but said he will continue to pray for them.

“My foremost concern, as has been the case over the past year, is for the well-being of those who lost their jobs and those who may have been adversely affected in any way as a result of these developments. My heart goes out to them and to their dependents. I continue to pray for God’s guidance and sustenance as they navigate the course of their lives,” he stated in the nine-point statement.

But on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, former employees, Raymond Addei Danquah and Philip Yawson said they don’t need his prayers.

They explained that for the past one year, it’s been hell catering for their wives and children.

Raymond Addei Danquah who was Deputy Head of Digital Banking said he now grills pork to support his family.

He noted that the prayers and sympathies of Pastor Mensa Otabil will not change their current situation.

“We don’t need his sympathises and prayers; it won’t change anything. Even workers of Capital Bank who are members of ICGC have not heard anything from the church” Raymond stated.

He said they have petitioned President Akufo-Addo but are yet to receive a response.

A statement issued by a member of the Board, Mrs. Ivy Austin, said: “The action of the workers is unfortunate and unwarranted, as neither the board nor the management has failed or refused to engage with the workers through the Union representatives to find solutions to the issues or concerns being raised.”

Newly constituted board of the New Times Corporation

“As a matter of fact, negotiations are on-going between management and leaders of the union. It is therefore unfortunate that whilst negotiations are on-going, the workers are resorting to a strike action without any notice to management as required by the Labour Act,” the statement added.

Background

Staff of the Corporation which manages, the Ghanaian Times Newspaper embarked on a demonstration on Monday in protest of their working conditions and also prevented management from entering their offices.

The workers among other things demanded an increment in their salaries arguing that they have been denied such increases for the past five years.

Further to these demands, also called for the immediate removal of the Managing Director of the Corporation, Carol Annang over what they describe as her poor managerial skills.

They accused her of reneging on her promise of revamping the institution.

We have confidence in Management

Meanwhile, the board further in the statement expressed confidence in the management of the Corporation in resolving the current row.

“The Board of Directors wish to reiterate its commitment to ensuring a cordial working environment. The Board further wish to state that it has full confidence in the management of New Times Corporation in resolving the matter. We therefore call on the leaders of the union to use the required processes to resolve the issues than resorting to industrial action,” the statement added.

ICU backs Ghanaian Times workers’ protest

In a related development, the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), has backed the protest by staff of New Times Corporation.

Speaking to Citi News, the General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, Solomon Kotei, in solidarity with the aggrieved workers said the demonstration is in the right direction.

He explained that what triggered the protest is that “last year [2017] when we came to negotiate [salaries and allowances], management were pleading and telling us all stories and an unprecedented move, [the] workers to management to give them just three percent of their salaries.”

“With this pinch of insult we didn’t even collect a back pay, and we took that hoping that this year, things will organize for us. Then from nowhere we were told of a rebranding of the paper. We thought it will bring some efficiency and profitability to this particular arrangement only for us to surrender to our main competitor.  And as our main competitor to do the printing for us and on a daily basis we don’t pay less than GH17,300, and how much are we making at Times.”

Give us 20%

Mr. Kotei said all they are saying is that “…we are sacrificing every other item on our condition of service; let’s only look at the salary that has been in arrears for many years. This has not been done and once we are asking that give us 20% and let’s live on.”

Family vacation – Once a while, take a week or two to go on a much needed break. In employment terms, we call it ‘’leave’’. Yes! I just reminded you that it’s been almost 5 years and you have never missed a day in the office. There are some of you who have even lost track of how many leave days you have left. Never feel too important to take a break. Ensure you have someone trained to step into your role for a few weeks. You need that time away from work.   What can you do once that leave is approved? Go on a family vacation with your wife and children if you have them If not, there is nothing wrong with single travel. Go a little far away from all the noise and stress of your current location. Do something new and experience a new environment. Come back fresh and relaxed for another long haul ahead.

Team building exercises – Often, we fail to participate in such programs at work. Either we feel too old or too ‘’big’’ to play games and laugh with everyone else. The few hours away from work feeling like a 6 year old is an amazing way to take some of the stress off. A well organized team building exercise has everything from interaction to games. From foods and drinks to acknowledgements and recognition. These even have the tendencies of patching up fractured relationships and pulling others closer together. Try to be involved in activities and you will be overwhelmed how fresh you will feel on monday morning.

Socialization – Back and neck pains! That’s what you get when you sit at the same place from Monday to Friday (Sometimes Saturdays inclusive) doing virtually the same thing for prolonged periods without a break. Why not get up from that seat, walk around and say hello to Mr.X or Madam Y? You can even write pleasant things about some of your colleagues, words of motivation or nice little pieces of advice. Drop them on their desks when they step away for meetings or for lunch. Get to know people personally by taking 5 minutes each day to ask about one person’s life. Family, likes, hobbies, ambitions etc can be good conversational points. Don’t be seen as too forward but also don’t be too reserved at work. Be sociable and that will help you kill stress quicker.

Excursions – This is probably a rarity in many corporate environments these days. Work schedule has become too tight that setting aside a full day to have everyone away from work completely is almost impossible. Set up a small committee in your office to take care of planning and organization. Set a great date when most employees don’t have busy schedules or engagements. Best available dates are usually public holidays and saturdays. Plan a great trip to a tourist destination or two. Usually, a trip to a historic site with wide space for a picnic is a good idea. The fun in the bus, music, dance and euphoria makes you forget about work for at least a few hours. Whatever pressure you may have been feeling prior to this trip may be extinguished for a few hours. You get to kill two birds with one stone here. You first de-stress and also get to learn something new by being a tourist in your own country.

Projects – Another great way to escape stress is to do a project which is not related to your scope of work. Usually a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is recommended. A community clean up, orphanage donation, blood donation etc can be great ideas to look at. This helps you get away from work while doing great service to your community at the same time. Play active roles in this project and you will find it very fulfilling. It’s always great to help others but even better when you end up feeling refreshed.

These are not be boxed ideas therefore you are at liberty to massage them to suit your taste and schedule. In the end, the main objective is to end up destressed and not choke or attract stress related diseases in an attempt to be productive. You can be a great corporate employee by taking time to escape from stress. Feel fresh and relaxed to forge ahead and do more.

One of the workers has been rushed to the hospital after he was hit in the eye by a stray bullet.

“They called in the police and they have arrested some of the workers. The rubber bullet has injured someone’s eye. He has been rushed to the hospital. So what is happening in this country…?” the workers queried.

The police are yet to comment on the matter.

This is the third time the workers are staging a protest over treatment meted in the ongoing project.

Two similar demonstrations were embarked on between April and May which led to parting of ways with L’Aine Services Ltd which played middleman role between the workers and Chinese Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and other stakeholder in the port expansion project.

The workers aside their initial request further appealed to the board management to sack L’aine Service Ltd., the Human Resource subcontractor in charge of their salary and welfare.

“How can you pay your workers less than GHC 250.00 and expect them to survive and work well? The Chinese workers eat good means whilst we eat bread…” some of them complained.

But in an interview with Adom News’ Isabella Gidiglo Ave on  Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, some of the workers  said they were given a month ultimatum signed by management to address the issues but never occurred hence boosting their wrath to react today.

According to them, the one month ultimatum ended on June 19 but approaching the board, they were not given any equitable reasons and neither were their concerns addressed by the Labour Commission when they filed a complaint.

With this, some of the workers have decided to shun the work whiles others are still in fury since they believe the management has taken them for granted.

According to Isabella, the police have been deployed to sack of the workers from the work environment since they have decided not to work but reduce productivity.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Transport, Daniel Titus-Glover was around to help settle the issues between the two parties amicably.

However the angry workers began pelting stones at police personnel deployed to restore calm as the police in return fired rubber bullets to disperse and push them further from the construction site.

“The police are shooting rubber balls and the workers are also throwing stones at them. Titus-Glover Deputy Minister for Transport came around to settle the issues between management and disgruntled workers. They took the matter to Labour commission and the issue continue to hang …. Adom News’s correspondent said.

“Last month we complained about the condition of service, they accepted and told us to expect responses in one month. They didn’t tell us anything better on June 19. We the workers can’t work in these unfavourable conditions. Seems the police came in to sack us…” one of the workers stressed.

General Secretary of the union, Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi said it is either the Minister does not know or “he just want to give a dog a bad name and hang it”.

A statement issued in Accra said “We want to state that as the Sector Minister, we expect him to provide strategic direction and policy guidelines for the Company, and not to descend into these minor operational areas which the Management of the Company can easily deal with”.

Below is the full statement

REJOINDER: “ENERGY MINISTER UNCOVERS ECG’S ROT.”

The Public Utilities Workers Union of TUC Ghana, has read with shock the publication in the Daily Guide Newspaper of 15^th May, 2017, with respect to a statement purported to have been made by the Minister of Energy, Honourable Boakye Agyarko, under the caption “Energy Minister Uncovers ECG’s Rot.” The statements attributed to the Minister are very much regrettable, and as workers of the Company, we find it very unfortunate that at such a critical stage in the life of ECG, the sector Minister will make such sweeping statements.

The assertion that ECG’s debt stock appears to be worsening by the day due to its faulty metering system and avoidable employee recklessness is not supported by the facts. On the contrary, ECG’s currently average weekly collection is GH¢103,918,594.11, as against a target of GH¢130,000,000. This excludes indebtedness by MMDAs and Ghana Water Company Limited, which are state entities. If there is any accumulation of debt, then it is just coming from the angle of the MMDAs, and this has come about because of political directives not to disconnect the MMDAs because government has promised to pay the bills of the MMDAs. However, as at the end of 2016, the MMDAs debt stood at GH¢1,390,966,034.74. For the first three months of 2017, the MMDA debts totalled GH¢226,967,736.08, and of this debt for 2017, government has paid GH¢18,133,575.17. As at the end of March 2017, total debt including that of GWCL was GH¢1,599,800,195.66, so it is strange for the Minister to attribute this accumulation of debt to the reckless acts or behaviour of ECG employees. If there is any debt accumulation, then it is the direct action of government for non-payment of MMDA bills, and not any inaction on the part of ECG employees. There have been several instances where efforts to collect amounts owing from MMDAs have been frustrated and sometimes interfered by political pressures, such that even organisations that were disconnected were asked to be reconnected by political authorities.

Concerning the assertion that the US Embassy demands bills and ECG has not been able to provide the Embassy with bills is also very strange because as far we know to date, the US Embassy does not owe ECG in terms of bills. So if they were not getting bills, would they have paid all their indebtedness till date? So this is a statement we find very unfortunate, and ask the Minister to provide further details. Similar details are also required about the issue of spare parts. Currently ECG is having shortage of materials which is affecting the one day service that was introduced by the Company.

With respect to MTN owing ECG about GH¢35,000,000 as asserted by the Minister, this is basically an issue of billing arrangement and some challenges with the initial CMS as it was deployed, which has been identified, and efforts made towards correcting this situation. MTN has over 1000 sites, and some MTN sites are already being billed through the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system, so bills are read automatically from remote areas. It is the few areas which are not on the AMR that arrangements are being made to sort out the actual amounts that MTN has to pay, which some of the residential sites are being made to pay. However, the billing anomaly has been identified and the corrections are being made, so it is not accurate to say that MTN owes that much and nothing is being done to collect monies from MTN.

It is also strange for the Minister to assert that ECG’s networking capital is negative. It is a fact undisputable that Africa, south of the Sahara, with the exception of South Africa, ECG has the widest coverage in terms of electricity distribution, about 80%, despite the challenges with supply upsetting at a point in time, ECG has been distributing power to significant numbers of its customers, so it is strange that a Company which has a negative networking capital of GH¢2,000,000 will be able to continue servicing its customers on such regular basis. And anybody who has taken time to go around the Country can attest to the fact that ECG, with the support of some external financing agencies, is constantly improving its distribution network, and building a lot of sub-stations as well as warehouses to improve its operational activities. We will therefore urge and challenge the Minister to come up with specifics with regards to such statements about this negative GH¢2,000,000 GHC networking capital of ECG.

In conclusion, we want to state that as the Sector Minister, we expect him to provide strategic direction and policy guidelines for the Company, and not to descend into these minor operational areas which the Management of the Company can easily deal with. There are bigger issue to make the Company operate efficiently, and we thought that these are the issues which should occupy the mind and attention of the Minister. Four months into the new government, a Company like ECG has no Board, and with an Acting Managing Director. How do you expect key decisions to be taken to ensure improvement in the Company’s operation? Is it the question of giving the dog a bad name, so to hang it? And we also want to draw the attention of government that such kind of pronouncements will not inure to the benefits of the Company or Ghana, because at the end of the day, even if you are going ahead with this PSP, you are projecting a very weak Company that will weaken the negotiations with any prospective bidder, and we think that the Minister ought to look at the bigger picture and see how to position ECG to be a Company that can provide value for Ghana and for Ghanaians.

Signed.

Lawyer Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi

(General Secretary, PUWU).

George Loh says “they could not generate revenue to pay the salaries so they did that to respite but it is good the minister has eaten his humble pie”.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, on Monday admitted there were some names wrongfully expunged from government’s mechanized payroll as part of government’s bid to rid it of ghost names. “We did an exercise recently in which quite a number of people were taken out of the payroll.

We’ve had some remarks from some unions, but the real question for all of us in the country is that we know that there is some rot in there, we know we need to take some action and in the process of taking the action a few wrong eggs will be broken and we should apologize for that,” the Finance Minister was quoted as saying at the National Policy Forum in Accra.

Reacting to the apologies on TV3’s New Day hosted by Bright Nana Amfo on Tuesday, May 16, lawyer George Loh said “I don’t want to say it was just a mistake but it saved them. It gave them some respite because they could not generate revenue so they did that to [get] some respite”.

He said some workers “demonstrated that they were not ghosts, but they would not listen to them. It is because they did not do proper work”. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) man said stakeholders such as the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Ghana National Association of Teachers openly told them their members were not ghosts but the government did not listen to them.

“Schools reopen and people cannot pay their schools fees. Families shortchanged of their daily bread all because of substandard work by the current administration,” the former MP noted.

The National Coordinator of the Nasara Club in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kamal Deen Abdulai, who was also on the programme, argued that “nobody is saying we do not have ghost names in the system so it was good he apologized”.

Mr. Kamal said the fact that the Minister has realized his mistakes and come out to apologize means some work has been done. “It means it is a canker that has been cleared,” he said.

May Day – or ‘Labour Day’ – is observed all over the world on the first day of May to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers and fight for labourers’ rights.

Through his Facebook post, the Ghanaian entrepreneur and politician, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom said at least 40 per cent of major infrastructure contracts must go to indigenous companies.

With taxes, he stressed, the government must utilize the mandate to set a competitive edge to local goods and services.

See the post below:

This is because Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has directed that their names be removed from the payroll commencing April 2017.

In addition, the Minister has also directed the Controller and Accountant-General to suspend the payment of pensions to some 23,029 people because they could not be accounted for in a nationwide head count which ended on the 22nd of October 2016.

These two directives, resulting in the identification of close to 50,000 ‘Ghost names’ on the Payroll and Pensions Registry were expected to save the country some GH¢35 million in payroll cost on a monthly basis or a total of over GH¢250 million in 2017 alone.

A statement from the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Finance said the affected workers had failed to register despite many opportunities to do so.
The Minister, in his presentation of the 2017 budget, announced government’s commitment to clean the payroll.

To that effect, the Minister requested that the Controller and Accountant-General on the 10th of February 2017 to inform all public servants on the Government of Ghana mechanised payroll system who had not registered on the new SSNIT biometric system to do so by the end of February 2017.

The notice further stated that commencing end of March 2017, salaries for un-enrolled workers, were to be suspended indefinitely or until the SSNIT enrolment was completed by the said workers.

The February 28th, 2017, deadline was further extended to March 31st 2017 by the Minister of Finance.

This directive will as such now come into effect commencing with the end of April 2017 payroll.

Consequently, those not registered with SSNIT as directed shall be treated as ‘ghosts’ going forward and shall as such be removed from the payroll for April 2017.

The statement said SSNIT was prepared to validate any affected pensioner, across the country, who availed themselves to be counted and validated going forward.

It said several mobile enrolment kits were on standby to cater for affected pensioners who may not be able to travel to their nearest SSNIT district offices to complete the validation process.

The Minister called on all citizens to help protect the public purse as Government was committed to bringing “Ghana beyond Aid”.

“Any real person whose name has been suspended can visit any of the SNNIT branches nationwide to be biometrically re-enrolled. SNNIT has set up enrolment desks within all their offices,” the statement added.

According to him, the issue of worker lay-offs has not been brought to the table during government’s discussions with the IMF mission.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting organised by the Multimedia Group Limited in Accra, Monday, Dr Bawumia noted that government would push against any such arrangements should it be raised by the IMF.

“We have inherited the IMF programme and it is a programme that we are quite committed to completing. There are a number of things we are going to have to re-look. We are not going to do any worker layoffs. I believe that if you in fact do a rationalisation you will end up probably needing more workers in many of our places. And this issue has not come up in our discussions. We would have pushed back if this issue comes up. We are not going to go ahead with a lay-off of workers.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta has disclosed that the government is committed to ending its agreement with the IMF in April 2018.

In so doing, he said, government would consider alternatives in addressing deficits and maintain a sound economy for businesses to thrive.

Mr. Aidoo, who made this announcement at the launch of the new Licensed Buying Company (LBC), Cargill Kokoo Sourcing Limited, added that COCOBOD will continue to work with all stakeholders in the cocoa sector to support the livelihoods of farmers to bring about efficiency in production and at the same and promote transparency in the sector.

“We are pleased to have worked with Cargill on such an innovative project, and this shows our continued partnership with Cargill goes from strength to strength. We see this model as the future of cocoa sourcing in our country.

The introduction of this model reflects Cargill’s commitment to transform the Ghanaian cocoa sector for the benefit of all stakeholders, and reaffirms the Cargill Cocoa Promise, Cargill’s commitment to improving the lives of cocoa farmers and their communities and, in doing so, securing a long-term supply of cocoa,” he said.

As a joint public and private venture, the goal of the project will be to both increase the productivity and sustainability of the cocoa industry.

Acting as a replacement for often ineffective middlemen, the LBC will source directly from farmers to streamline the supply chain, setting up almost 200 buying stations that have partnered with mobile money providers as a way of delivering easy payment options.

Farmers, delivering beans to Cargill, will receive immediate digital payment which improves their ability to trade more effectively, remove risks associated with cash payments, and links them to modern tools to manage their business.

This new LBC has been fully operational since November 2016, and allows Cargill to directly source cocoa from certified farmers in Ghana for the first time – putting the farmer at the heart of its business.

So far, over 25,000 farmers are registered, of which 9,000 are actively pursuing selling beans through Cargill’s LBC network. Cargill already sources directly from farmers and farmer organisations in other origin countries.Moving to this model in Ghana means that the company will be better positioned to efficiently implement the Cargill Cocoa Promise at scale and better serve its customers.

Speaking about the importance of working with partners to introduce this new payment system into rural areas in Ghana, Lionel Soulard, Managing Director West-Africa Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate said, “Never before has it been more critical for cocoa farmers in Ghana to be the master of their own destiny and improve their own livelihoods.With the introduction of an innovative digital payment system, or mobile money for short, this first-of-its kind initiative at scale in Ghana is creating a great opportunity for smallholder finance at the farm level”.

“We strongly believe that this way of doing business is the future for cocoa farmers in Ghana. Mobile money is the first step towards improving incomes for farmers, as we build the infrastructure and capabilities for a more efficient and effective supply chain.

Our aim is to create an enabling environment for smallholder finance for the future, resulting in better entrepreneurial spirit already noticeable at the farmer level,” continued Soulard.

Mr Carlos Ahenkorah, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, noted that government is looking forward for greater collaboration with the private sector to focus on ways to ensure that cocoa farming is sustainable and profitable profession for the farmers of today and tomorrow.

According to him, the ministry believes the establishment of Cargill Kokoo Sourcing will bring trade opportunities to small and medium enterprises looking to venture into the provision of equipment like weighing scales, and other mobile machines needed for such operations.

Ghana is on track to exceed its revised 800,000-tonne target for cocoa production this season due to good rains this year. Cocoa purchases in Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa grower, totalled 691,149 tonnes as of March 23, from the start of the 2016/17 season on Oct. 1, according to Cocobod data.

That represented a 4 percent rise on last season.

The victims were attacked on Saturday as they travelled from the capital, Juba, to the eastern town of Pibor, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“I am appalled and outraged by the heinous murder of six courageous humanitarians in South Sudan,” Eugene Owusu, the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, said in a statement.

“At a time when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, it is entirely unacceptable that those who are trying to help are being attacked and killed,” Owusu added.

According to OCHA, it was the highest number of humanitarian workers killed in one incident since the start of a civil war more than three years ago.

Saturday’s ambush followed two other attacks on aid workers this month, shortly after South Sudan declared famine last month in two counties of Unity state, saying 100,000 people face starvation and another million are on the brink of famine.

After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, the world’s youngest nation descended into war in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

Tens of thousands have since died and 3.5 million people have been displaced, while a surge in fighting since July has devastated food production in areas that had been stable for farmers.

At least 79 humanitarians have been killed in South Sudan since the conflict began, including at least 12 killed this year, OCHA said.

“These attacks against aid workers and aid assets are utterly reprehensible,” Owusu said. “They not only put the lives of aid workers at risk, they also threaten the lives of thousands of South Sudanese who rely on our assistance for their survival.”

Earlier this month, the government announced plans to charge a levy of $10,000 for each foreign aid worker, which along with the danger of abduction could hurt efforts to help the hungry.

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accused South Sudan’s government of ignoring the plight of tens of thousands of people suffering from famine, 7.5 million in need of humanitarian aid and thousands fleeing the fighting.

“There is a strong consensus that South Sudanese leaders need to do more to demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing of the country’s people, who are among the poorest in the world,” Guterres said during a UN Security Council briefing.

Joseph Moum Malok, South Sudan’s deputy UN ambassador, said the government “takes issue with the accusation”, adding that other parts of the country are affected by drought.

He also said the government “will spare no efforts to help address the situation and calls upon the international community to help address this urgent matter”.

A confidential UN report, which was seen by the AFP and Reuters news agencies earlier this month, found that the famine was largely caused by Juba’s military operations.

“The bulk of evidence suggests that the famine in Unity state has resulted from protracted conflict and, in particular, the cumulative toll of repeated military operations undertaken by the government in southern Unity beginning in 2014,” the report said.

It also said the government is spending its oil revenue on weapons, even as the country descends into a famine.

The government rejected the report’s allegations.

source: aljazeera