File photo of cocoa
Cocoa carriers across Ghana have launched a nationwide strike in protest over the Ghana Cocoa Board's (COCOBOD) failure to increase their fees for handling cocoa beans.
The carriers, represented by the Cocoa Carriers Association of Ghana, are demanding an increase in their labour fees from GH¢1.70 to GH¢3 per bag.
The association’s leadership has called on its members at key depots in Tema, Takoradi, and Kumasi to begin an indefinite sit-down strike starting Monday, 7th October 2024.
The strike comes after previous failed negotiations, echoing similar action taken in 2022 when workers also demanded better wages and improved working conditions, leading to thousands of bags of cocoa beans being left unattended at various warehouses.
National Chairman of the association, Raymond Atanga Abobiga, described the situation as unfair, calling for all members to participate fully in the strike until their demands are met.
"We will report to work but remain at the gates of the warehouses. We won’t work until they address our concerns. This is not a fight against any individual, but a fight for a just cause," he said.
A visit to the Cocoa Marketing Company depot in Kumasi revealed carriers refusing to perform their usual duties of unpacking, carrying, and stacking bags of cocoa.
The group has made it clear that they will not resume work until their call for higher pay is addressed by COCOBOD management.
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