Work at the Presidential Palace resumes but..

Accra Sept. 2, GNA - Work at the new Presidential Palace has resumed following an urgent meeting held on Tuesday between the management of Shapoorji Pallonji, Indian Construction Company and the workers to address their grievances.

Mr. Henry Pappoe, a representative of the workers, told GNA that management agreed to pay the redundancy fee and promised an increase in the wage with effect from September.


He said management neither stated the amount of money to be added to the salary nor the amount to be given to workers who would be laid-off.


Mr Pappoe hinted that some workers would be laid off on Thursday because the work was about 98 per cent completed and they needed to be paid their redundancy fee.


Some of the workers who spoke to GNA said their return to work was temporary and they expect their concerns to be addressed on Tuesday, failing which they would suspend work again until their demands are met fully.


The Indian project coordinator, however, did not disclose the number of people to be laid off come Thursday. Workers at the Presidential Palace under construction in Accra on Monday threatened to withdraw their services if their daily wage of GHC 3.00 was not increased.

The workers, chanting war songs at the site in Accra, said they had been cheated by the management of Shapoorji Pallonji, the Indian construction company, since work started.


Mr Pappoe who spoke on behalf of the workers in an interview with "The management has not increased the amount since we were employed. Aside that, they have not given us appointment letters or entered into an agreement with us to talk about when we will be ending our contract."


They have not given us identity cards but just a gate pass card which they collect at the close of work each day." The Indian project coordinator said, "I will not comment on the issues. If you want any information go to the Castle." The 50-million dollar Presidential Palace at the Flagstaff House, when completed would comprise the offices for the President, Vice-President and support staff.


It would also have a banquet hall and an underground water tank. There would be a commercial building which would be used for other activities such as banking services.