Management of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited has clarified that the termination of the appointment of its Country Manager, Seth Adu-Baah, has no ties with ongoing moves to restructure the company.
In a statement to justify its decision, the company said, how the two developments have been misconstrued by a section of the public has become a source of worry for the beverage producing company.
While commending the transformational contribution and leadership of the outgone manager, the company, stated that it will solidly support any person who is appointed as the new manager.
The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana also explained that the termination of appointment of its country manager was taken by its parent company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC).
“It has been agreed that the company and its former country manager will part ways and we are currently negotiating the terms of separation, in complete compliance with the law. We trust that these negotiations will be concluded amicably. This decision was taken by the management of our parent company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC). Whoever is chosen by the management of ECCBC to take up responsibility for the business will have their unequivocal support. ECCBC greatly appreciates the dedicated service of its former country manager and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” the statement added.
Portions of the release also pointed out that:
“We also would like to make it abundantly clear that the decision to part ways with the former Country Manager is not related to any planned changes to the business. They are separate issues and the conflation of the two matters has been an unfortunate and incorrect interpretation of the events. The ECCBC will, therefore, continue to review its business operations across the region and would react accordingly, where the need arises, in order to protect the interests of its stakeholders, including its employees.”
Employees protest
Workers of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company had in the last few days been protesting to seek the reinstatement of the former Country Manager of the company, Seth Adu-Baah.
According to the workers, Felix Gomez, the Senegalese MD for West African countries instigated Mr. Adu-Baah’s removal.
Executives of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) of the Coca-Cola bottling company of Ghana had earlier petitioned their parent company, ECCBC, to terminate with immediate effect, the appointment of Felix Gomis, the Business Unit Managing Director, WAC (West African Countries).
The local union accused Mr. Gomis of incompetence adding that his alleged actions and inactions led to the shutdown of the Coca-Cola plant in Kumasi.
Company gives assurance of continuous operations
Meanwhile, management of the company has assured all its stakeholders that its first priority during any such changes to the business will be the wellbeing of its employees.
It has also expressed commitment to follow the requirements of the law and give its employees available opportunities in the process adding that the current situation will not negatively impact its operations.
“We have been and will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure we resolve any differences that may exist. The company would like to assure our customers and consumers that, the current situation will not affect our ability to deliver their favourite beverages.