Workers of cocoa processing company, West Africa Mills Company (WAMCO) in Takoradi are blaming government for the company’s inability to commence operations after the new year break.
According to the workers, government, through COCOBOD has failed to appoint members on to the board of the company, leading to a halt in the company’s operations.
COCOBOD holds strategic share in the company on behalf of the government of Ghana.
Speaking to Citi Business News on the issue, the Chairman for the Professional and Managerial Staff Union of WAMCO, Mr. Stephen Nuanyah stated that the fate over 50 workers have been left in limbo as management suspends operations indefinitely.
“The unfortunate thing is that WAMCO does not have a board because of the change of government. The shareholders are yet to meet to form a board, and it is only when the board is formed that we will be given the mandate to negotiate and resolve all outstanding labour issues. Since that has not been done, WAMCO cannot go into full operations that is why management gave the workers letters to go home and wait until all these things are put in place,” he explained.
Mr. Nuanyah lamented that further delays on the part of government will adversely affect the workers as they are currently not working.
He stated that even though government has a 40 percent minority share, government’s role is crucial in the day-to-day running of the company.
Touching on the need to address the issue immediately, Mr. Nuanyah disclose that the workers are anxious since they do not know their fate.
“The interesting thing is that the majority shareholder is ready with the members for the board. What is currently delaying the processing is government’s inability to name its representatives to the board,” he said.
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By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
