Gas company workers root for Frances Essiam

Workers of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC) Limited (GCMCL) yesterday inundated the premises of the company with red bands over the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Awurabena Frances Essiam.

According to the workers, who have declared their allegiance to the CEO, they are unhappy about the decision of the Board since the State Enterprises Commission has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations against her (CEO).

The workers, clad in red bands, held placards, some of which read, ‘No Frances, No work,’ ‘We cannot afford to lose our jobs,’ ‘Mr. President, we need your intervention’ and ‘we need team players at GCMCL.’

They have resolved to embark on an indefinite sit-down strike until President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo intervenes.

According to them, the suspension of the CEO was illegal because the board had not been mandated by any law to suspend the company’s CEO.

Recommendation of Madam Essiam’s suspension was occasioned by a supposed power struggle between her and the board members.

Madam Essiam is being accused by the board chairman, Frank Boakye Agyen, of engaging in financial misapplication, breach of procurement rules, awarding of contracts without the approval of the board or the energy ministry, among others.

On Tuesday, the board members were locked out when they attempted to hold an emergency meeting on the premises of the company.

A few hours later, six out of the nine board members decided to suspend Madam Essiam.

But speaking with DAILY GUIDE during the demonstration yesterday, the Local Union Chairman of GCMC Ltd, William Klagbo, described the suspension as inappropriate and contradictory.

According to him, the suspension contradicts steps being taken by the government to resolve the matter.

He stressed the need for the board to use dialogue to address issues they have with the CEO instead of their current approach, which has generated so much controversy.

He wondered why the board is in a hurry to suspend the CEO when there is a committee investigating the matter.