By: Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com

The Ashanti Regional Divisional Union of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWL) has given a 48-hour ultimatum to a private developer to reconstruct and restore its demolished properties, else it will shut down six water plants to deny residents of the Ashanti Region water.

Mr Emmanuel Okpoki Kodiah

The six plants expected to be shut down are Owabi, Barekese, Mampong, Aframaso, Odaso and Konongo water plants.

According to a spokesperson of the company,
GWL has, therefore, given Madam Rose Hamilton and all other private developers a 48-hour ultimatum to reconstruct the walls and restore all other demolished properties.

He added that failure to do so implies GWL has no relevance in the Ashanti Region, for which reason it will shut down its operations in the region at exactly 9 a.m. on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, at the affected areas, Mr. Emmanuel Okpoki Kodiah, the Vice-Chairman of Ashanti Divisional Union of Ghana Water Company Limited, read the statement on behalf of the union.

A section of GWCL workers in a protest

The full statement is attached below:

SPEECH BY THE WORKERS UNION OF GHANA WATER LTD.

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues and members of the media.

Today, we stand united as the Workers Union of Ghana Water Ltd to address a matter of great concern that affects our organisation and the integrity and respect for our leadership and company assets. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture, where private developers’ actions threaten the very foundations of our establishment.

The destroyed fence walls

Recently, we witnessed the unnecessary demolition of the fence walls of the bungalows and boys’ quarters of two directors, which raises serious questions about the procedures and respect that should govern our operations. These properties are not merely structures; they represent the hard work, dedication and commitment of our leadership to this organisation.

As we all know, our operations are guided by strict protocols. Any instructions or directions regarding company assets must come from our Head Office.

The management of our properties, including land leases, must be communicated solely to the Head Office. Regional offices, while integral to our operations, do not possess the authority to make decisions regarding the assets of Ghana Water Ltd. This protocol exists to protect our interests and ensure that we operate within a framework of accountability and transparency.

The recent actions of the private developers have not only disregarded these protocols but have also 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.

One of our directors’ boys’ quarters after the demolition of the fence wall on Friday, 6th December 2024, on the eve of the general election, has led to the ransacking of the place, losing fans, mattresses and others. Such behaviour undermines the dignity of our leadership and poses a threat to the stability of our operations.

Let us put on record that under no circumstances or occasion has the region received any communication from Head Office to cede the lands to the developers in question.

Communication from the Regional Co-ordinating Council to the region was asked to be communicated to its Head Office, which they did. This procedure clearly shows that they know what ought to be done.

The demolition of the fence walls to the two bungalows of our directors led the Union front to report at the police station that same Friday and subsequently on Moion front to reporteral District Police Station and we met with one of the developers the Madam Rose Hamilton. Our understanding is that she is the owner of the Crystal Rose Hotel. It was agreed that both parties should await communication from our Head Office before Madam Rose stood and left the police station.

How then could she send miscreants the next day to demolish the boys’ quarters?

It is important to state that the life of one security officer could have been lost if he hadn’t left the post to get food. He returned to see the debris of his post with his TV set, radio, two phones and his personal belongings destroyed.

The attempt to take over 5No. bungalows of the company has dire consequences to the operations of GWL in the region.

As Workers Union of Ghana Water Ltd, we must remind ourselves of the values we uphold. Respect for our leaders, adherence to proper procedures and commitment to our collective mission are non-negotiable. We cannot allow external pressures to dictate how we manage our assets or how we honour those who lead us.

We strongly condemn the unlawful actions that not only undermine the sanctity of public assets but also disrupt the lives of hard-working public servants. The residences in question are vital resources meant to support the effective functioning of government agencies like Ghana Water Limited in the region.

We, therefore, make the following demands:

1. We call on the Ghana Police Service to investigate these acts of vandalism and bring the perpetrators, including their collaborators, to justice.

2. Restoration of the Chief Managers’ Residence: We demand immediate action on the properties vandalised, the walls and boys’ quarters…

3. Apologise to the management of the GWL for the trauma and threat against all.

4. We call upon the President of the Republic, The President-Elect, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, who is very passionate about issues of water, the Regional Minister, the Lands Commission, relevant authorities, and stakeholders to intervene and halt these reckless actions.

Therefore, GWL, as a company, is giving Madam Rose Hamilton and all other private developers a 48-hour ultimatum to reconstruct the walls and restore all other destroyed properties. Failure to do that will mean that GWL has no relevance in the Ashanti Region and for that matter the company will shut down its operations in the region at exactly 9 a.m. on Friday.

We stand together in solidarity, affirming our commitment to the principles that guide us and demanding the respect our directors and our company deserve.

In closing, let us remain vigilant and united. Together, we can ensure that the integrity of Ghana Water Ltd is preserved, and that respect for our leadership and adherence to protocol are upheld.

Thank you.