Ghana Highway Workers to embark on Indefinite Strike
Accra, Ghana - Nov 22, 2024 - A major disruption to Ghana's road network is looming as workers of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) prepare to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike. The strike, scheduled to commence on December 2, 2024, is in response to the government's failure to address their concerns regarding the National Roads Authority Act 2024 (Act 1118).
The workers, who have been negotiating with the government for some time, have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing their grievances. In a letter to the National Labour Commission, the Senior Staff Association of the GHA stated that the strike is a last resort after several unsuccessful attempts to have their concerns addressed.
The striking workers are calling for immediate attention to their concerns, which include the need for stakeholder consultations, adherence to constitutional processes, and leadership restructuring within the GHA. They have outlined four primary demands, which they expect the government to address urgently.
The National Labour Commission has directed the workers to suspend their strike and follow due process while negotiations continue.
However, it remains to be seen whether the workers will heed this call or proceed with their planned strike.
Find the letter from the GHA below.
We, the Union and Senior Staff Association, representing workers of the Authority, hereby notify Management of our intention to embark on a nationwide strike action in support of the following demands contained in our petition to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana dated 21st October 2024.
1. Cessation of the implementation of the National Roads Authority Act 2024, (Act 1118) pending consultation with all stakeholders, especially the workers of the Ghana Highway Authority.
2. Revocation of all appointments made under the Act, (Act 1118), which appointments are in contravention of Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
3. Fresh agency-wide consultation based on the World Bank Assisted ‘Diagnostic Study for Transforming Ghana Highway Authority (GHA),
2022.
4. Immediate removal of Ing. I. K. Mensah, the GHA Board Chairman and Ing. Collins B. Donkor (retired), the GHA Chief Executive.
Workers of GHA hereby inform the National Labour Commission that if by 29th November 2024, our demands are not granted, we shall embark on an indefinite nationwide strike action in accordance with the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
Particulars of Workers’ Strike Action
Reason: Ungranted Demands
Start date: Monday, 2nd December 2024
Duration: Indefinite
Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online
