Ashanti Region: Ghana Water workers threaten to halt operations over demolished managers’ bungalows

The Workers’ Union of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Ashanti Region has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the reconstruction of two bungalows allegedly demolished by private developers.

The union warned that failure to comply would result in the shutdown of water supply operations in the region.

Address

The destroyed residences, located at Nhyiaeso and Danyame housed two senior managers of the company. There are other bungalows earmarked for demolition.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (11 December) the union described the demolition as an outrageous and unlawful act carried out to advance private interests.

“The recent actions of the private developers have shown blatant disrespect for our directors, managers, and the entire staff of GWL in the Ashanti Region. The impatience displayed in their haste to demolish our directors’ fence walls and boys’ quarters without cause is unacceptable and has rendered the place insecure”, said Emmanuel Okpoti Kodiah, the Vice Chairman of the Senior Staff Union at the Ghana Water Limited.

“We will not relent or give in. These properties will remain the property of Ghana Water Company into the foreseeable future. These acts are not only illegal but also an attack on our institution and the services we provide,” he asserted.

Allegations

The workers accused faceless politicians of supporting the encroachment and appealed to President Nana Akufo-Addo, President-elect John Mahama, and the Asantehene to intervene and stop what they called the plundering of GWCL assets.

The union also called on the police to investigate the matter, demanding swift action to prevent further encroachments.

“We demand that the police thoroughly investigate Madam Rose Hamilton and her contractors. They must be held accountable for their actions, and the law must be enforced to prevent further illegal encroachments on our properties,” the union said.

“If the bungalows are not restored within 48 hours, we shall shut down our operations in the Ashanti Region. We are resolute in our decision. If our demands are not met, we will take immediate action to protect our assets and the lives of our workers. We will not allow our hard-earned properties to be taken away by private interests”, Kodiah warned.

Sources

Asaase News’ checks from the Regional Lands Commission indicate that the bungalows in question are part of state-owned properties located on land that has been ceded back to the Asantehene. This decision is part of a broader initiative to redevelop state-owned residential facilities.

Other sources also confirm that Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and several other government institutions have been allocated new permanent accommodations to facilitate the redevelopment project.

However, the management of GWCL has refused to accept the keys to these new residences, asserting that they own the land on which their current bungalows stand. The company has expressed its unwillingness to vacate, insisting that they will not hand over the property.

“If the bungalows are not restored, the entire Ashanti Region will be affected, and we will be left with no choice but to stop our water supply operations. The consequences of inaction are severe, and we hope the authorities act quickly to prevent a crisis,” the Senior Staff added.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi

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