The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has issued a detailed statement addressing threats of an impending public demonstration and picketing by a group of former casual workers.
These workers have been circulating videos and giving interviews, alleging that the Authority has failed to pay them compensation following a redundancy declaration made 20 years ago.
Background of the Issue
In 2001, the Ghanaian government, guided by advice from the World Bank, decided to reform the country’s ports to enhance service delivery and leverage regional growth in shipping.
This reform led to the privatization of many port operations, reducing the workforce of GPHA. Consequently, some employees joined private operators, while others opted for voluntary or compulsory retirement.
Casual workers, employed on a daily basis and paid in cash, were given a goodwill payment by the Authority despite having no entitlement to long-term benefits.
Legal Battles and Outcomes
The dissatisfied group of former casual workers took the GPHA to court, challenging the adequacy of their compensation.
Their case escalated to the Supreme Court, where they lost both the original case and a subsequent review.
The court’s decisions were documented in the cases of Bonney & Ors (No.1) v. Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (No.1) [2013-2014] SCGLR 436 and Bonney & Ors (No.2) v. Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (No.2) [2013-2014] SCGLR 457.
GPHA’s Position
GPHA emphasizes that it has always adhered to labor laws and regulations regarding employee severance benefits.
The Authority refutes the group’s claims as baseless, noting that the legal proceedings have conclusively settled the matter.
GPHA warns that any attempts to disrupt port operations, which occur in a security zone, will have significant security implications.
Esther Gyebi-Donkor, General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, signed off on the statement, ensuring the public is informed of the facts and the Authority’s stance on the matter.
GPHA remains committed to lawful and fair handling of all employee-related issues, while also safeguarding the security and operational integrity of the ports.
