GPHA refutes ex-casual workers’ claims; warns against planned demo

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has refuted claims made by former casual workers who are threatening a public demonstration over alleged unpaid compensation.

In a statement, the Authority clarified the situation and countered misinformation circulating through social media.

According to the GPHA, the controversy stems from a restructuring process initiated in 2001, following government advice and World Bank recommendations to reform port operations. This reform led to the privatization of significant port functions, resulting in a substantial reduction of GPHA staff.

The Authority detailed that while permanent staff were offered generous compensation packages and options for early voluntary or compulsory retirement, casual workers received a goodwill payment.

“During the restructuring exercise, the Authority, out of its magnanimity, decided to pay the casual workers a certain sum out of goodwill (a handshake in our parlance) for their service,” the statement explained.

It emphasized that the Authority was not obligated to provide severance to casual workers, who were employed on a daily basis without rights to long-term benefits.

The statement further clarified that the casual workers had previously taken legal action against GPHA, which culminated in Supreme Court rulings in their favor. The cases were conclusively resolved with judgments dated May 29, 2014, and attempts to reopen the matter have been unsuccessful.

“The matter traveled to the Supreme Court and they lost. Not satisfied, they invoked the review jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and again lost,” the statement noted.

The Authority expressed frustration over the recurring nature of these claims, particularly in election years, suggesting that such actions aim to exert undue pressure on GPHA.

“This group almost always surfaces in every election year with the intention to blackmail the Authority to pay to them what they do not deserve,” GPHA asserted.

The GPHA underscored its adherence to labor laws and regulations, ensuring that all employee separations are handled in compliance with contractual and legal standards.

“The recent assertions made by the aforementioned group and their threats of intended demonstration are baseless and not supported by factual evidence,” the statement emphasized.

The GPHA also reminded the public that while demonstrations are constitutionally protected, they must be conducted within the bounds of the law and security considerations.

“Any attempt to unduly disrupt operations will have security implications,” the Authority warned.