Organised Labour Strike Proceeds Despite SSNIT Hotels Sale Termination
Ghana is witnessing a nationwide industrial action by organized labour, the parent body of all labour groups in the country over the botched 60% investiture of four hotels belonging to the Social Security National Trust (SSNIT).
The University Teachers Association (UTAG), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and many others laid down their tools today following a directive from Organised Labour last Friday.
The groups are striking over intent and processes to sell stakes in the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort to a private company owned by a government official.
At a presser on July 15, 2024, the Organised Labour called for an immediate halt in the processes which they said is flawed, as they declared an industrial action effective July 15.
The Board Chairman of SSNIT, Elizabeth Ohene issued an immediate statement announcing discontinuation of the sale in response to this.
“The Board and Management of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) wish to inform the public that the process to divest 60% of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels has been terminated,” the notice dated July 12 read.
However, Organised Labour on Monday advanced on their intent to lay down their tools.
In a statement dated July 13, UTAG demanded the dissolution of the Board and Management of SSNIT in exchange for the strike to be called off.
“UTAG firmly believes that the Board and top Management of SSNIT have demonstrated bad judgement and poor corporate governance skills that significantly eroded public trust in their ability to effectively and efficiently continue carrying out their responsibilities.
“Their initial decision to proceed with this transaction, despite widespread public outcry, indicates a disregard for the sentiments and welfare of the broader populace. This action has undermined confidence in the Board and Management’s capacity to manage our pension funds and assets prudently and transparently.”
Meanwhile, JUSAG in a statement on July 14 “directed that effective Monday, 15th July 2024, staff of the Judicial Service are not to report to work in compliance with the Organised Labour decision”.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa- the whistleblower in the “flawed” hotel sale- in a Facebook post reminded the country’s leaders that “real power belongs to the people”.
He believes the nationwide strike would have been avoided had the leadership and management heeded earlier calls.
He also buys into the demand for the board and management of SSNIT and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to be dissolved.
“Let today’s industrial action serve as an eloquent reminder to all Ghanaian leaders that real power belongs to the people. You mess with the people at your own peril.”
