The Chief Executive of the Shama District, Joseph Amoah believes the industrial unrest brewing between workers and Management of the 330 megawatts TICO T2 plant at the Aboadze power enclave threatens national security, which needs quick resolution before it gets out of hand.
The DCE told Citi News after intervening in the impasse that has ensued between workers and management of TICO which has already led to the interdiction of seven executives of the workers union.
The seven executives of TICO workers union who wore red armbands to express their displeasure over alleged managerial deficiencies, on Wednesday, May 29, received interdiction letters from management.
The letter stated they have been interdicted for three months with half monthly salaries for illegal industrial Action, breach of the collective agreement, by putting the company into disrepute.
Speaking after a meeting between the representative of the workers and management, Mr. Amoah said the workers have been asked to withdraw their letters of allegations, after which management is also expected to withdraw their interdiction letters for an amicable resolution.
“We realized that it is a very serious situation as it borders on national security. When you talk about the power installations, being VRA, TICO/TAQA and the other independent power producers all at the Aboadze power enclave, they are the heartbeat of the nation, so anything concerning them raises serious concern. I realized I need to take certain steps, hence I wrote to them for an emergency meeting which they all attended yesterday Thursday 30 th May. Both parties, thus the workers leadership and management honoured the invitation where we all agreed at the meeting that the first step is for the workers’ leadership to withdraw their letters of allegation sent around about the management, especially the General Manager, Ernest Kofi Osafo, and when that is done, management should also consider lifting the interdiction”.
The Shama DCE, Joseph Amoah also revealed what the Ministry of Energy has shown interest in resolving the matter.
“I am also aware that the Minister of Energy has been copied about the happenings at the plant and the General Manager is supposed to meet with the Minister today Friday, May 31, 2019, but we are on the ground and needs to start the process. So, I believe that even if the Minister for Energy hears that, at least, we have started something on the ground, it would ease the tension a bit and give him room to take certain decisions”.
Though interdicted workers who spoke to Citi News on condition of anonymity have confirmed the meeting and have agreed to comply with their part of the resolutions, management led by the General Manager, Ernest Kofi Osafo says they have to consult higher authority.