The Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF) is demanding that the Bank of Ghana publishes the outcome of its investigations into the alleged mismanagement by the Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank to save the bank from further misfortune.
It follows calls by the union for the MD, Kwadwo Aye Kusi to be made to step aside until such a time that investigations into his alleged misconduct are concluded.
UNICOF maintains that the continuous stay of the MD contradicts best corporate governance practices.
“We would be very grateful if the Bank of Ghana will come out with the findings from the investigations. They gave us two weeks back but we haven’t gotten any information till now and it seems nobody wants to listen to us. But we do not want to assume that the central bank is condoning with the wrong doing going on at the bank,” the General Secretary of UNICOF, John Senanu Amegashie told Citi Business News.
As part of protests against the allegations, the workers of ARB Apex bank are wearing red materials around their wrists for two days; Monday and Tuesday.
The workers’ union has accused the Board Chair and Managing Director of ‘disrespecting the union and labour relationships’.
The union is also unhappy with the process leading to the extension of the tenure of the Managing Director and therefore wants the processes relooked at.
John Senanu Amegashie further explained to Citi Business News the matter if unresolved, will affect the country’s financial sector.
“In any case it is the interest of the workers that we are trying to secure. If we are not able to secure that and the company collapses, there will be no jobs. As such we would want to secure the interest of the workers and the general public too because the ARB Apex Bank belongs to the government and the people of Ghana.”
Mr. Amegashie would however not readily disclose the next line of action by the group after the two day decision elapses.
According to him, their displeasure has also been deepened by the inability of the Board Chairman to give a listening ear despite a directive by the Trades Union Congress for a meeting between the management and workers union.
Meanwhile the management of Apex bank is yet to comment on the matter.
–
By: Lawrence Segbefia/Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
