The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Ashanti Region has threatened to halt operations, following the demolition of official residential accommodation of their officials.
A private developer is reported to have demolished the fence walls and boys’ quarters, which serve as official residence of two directors of the company. To the workers, unless steps are taken to restore their properties, they would carry out their threat.
Addressing a news conference in Kumasi recently, Mr. Emmanuel Okpoti Kodua, Vice Chairman of the Senior Staff Union of the GWSCL in the Ashanti Region, expressed strong discontent over the destruction of these properties.
He contended that the land on which the demolished buildings stood is owned by the company and occupied by some of their staff.
According to him, the demolition of the Ashanti South Bungalows and Chief Manager Ashanti Production is highly unpleasant for them, especially when five bungalows are currently under threat of similar fate and action.
He disclosed that it is even more concerning that the bungalows were demolished right after the general election.
The Workers Union of Ghana Water Company Ltd, according to Mr. Okpoti Kodua, has given the private developer an ultimatum to reconstruct the damaged fence wall, failure of which they will shut down their operations in the region.
Mr. Kodua appealed His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and President Akufo-Addo to intervene to ensure that whoever is behind the demolition stops the unlawful act, to enable the company continue with its vital operations in the region.
Meanwhile, information from the Ashanti Regional Lands administration has revealed that the position of the GWCL workers was intended to sabotage the initiative to redevelop government land, since they refused to relocate to new apartments.
The Lands Administration sources say the Directors of Ghana Water Company are among other government officials and workers that are to relocate to the new apartments built by the government at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), to make a way for the redevelopment of the old accommodation for the efficient use of the lands.
The report disclosed that almost all the affected government workers, except three directors from the Ghana Water Company, have agreed to relocate to the new buildings.
