The Ghana Highways Authority Workers Union has embarked on an indefinite strike effective November 12, 2024, in protest of the government’s decision to implement the National Roads Authority Act 2024 (Act 1118).
This new legislation has sparked significant unrest within the sector, as union members cite grievances primarily related to the leadership of Ike Mensah, Chairman of the Ghana Highways Authority Board, and Collins Donko, an executive at the National Roads Authority. The union holds these two figures responsible for decisions they believe have compromised the integrity and efficiency of the road sector.
Prior to the strike, the union submitted a petition to the president, requesting broader consultations before proceeding with the new law. Union Chairman Nubuo Yasroku, addressing the press, emphasized that the strike action would continue until their demands were addressed.
“The workers of the Ghana Highway Authority have lost confidence in both the board chairman and the chief executive, we are calling on the President to remove them immediately. Our demands are clear: the indefinite strike begins on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, and all Ghana Highway Authority offices will remain closed until further notice.”
Yasroku clarified that their protest is directed solely at the President and not at the Ministry of Roads and Highways or any mediating bodies. Although the National Labour Commission attempted to mediate, the union declined its offer.
“We are taking our petition directly to the President, the ministry has no authority to call us for negotiations on this matter. Contrary to the commission’s view, this is not a dispute between the workers of the Ghana Highway Authority and the Ministry of Roads and Highways. It is a direct appeal to the President to halt and revoke Act 1118, and to remove certain appointments made under this Act. We reject any attempts to involve third-party mediation in this issue, as our demands are addressed solely to the President.”
The union remains resolute, affirming that they will maintain the strike until their demands are met.
Story by: Nancy Kyeremeh | universnews.ug.edu.gh
