Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that the recent termination of SSNIT’s plans to sell 60% of its shares in the five hotels is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of Organised Labour and advocacy.
According to Richard Ahiagbah, this decision showcases the impact of collective action and the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions.
He noted that Organised Labour’s steadfast and unwavering dedication to opposing the sale has ultimately prevailed, sending a clear and resounding message that their voices will not be silenced and their interests will be protected.
“However, while this may seem like a victory worth celebrating, we must also consider the precedent we have set.
“Are we opening the door to future interference in public offerings based on political affiliations? This could harm corporate governance, market confidence, and overall certainty”.
Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for NPP
Furthermore, Ahiagbah emphasised that just as a referee’s decision in a football game must be respected, so too must the outcomes of democratic processes be accepted, even when they don’t align with one’s personal preferences.
This, the NPP Communicator noted, is a fundamental principle of democratic governance and the rule of law.
Ahiagbah acknowledged that while he understands and empathises with the workers’ concerns, the public must also consider the broader implications of impeding a legitimate corporate decision, which could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and the country as a whole.
Ahiagbah emphasized that Ghanaians must engage in profound introspection and carefully consider the potential long-term implications and precedential effects of this decision.
The NPP stalwart warned that this may set a benchmark for future conflicts between Organised Labour and corporate entities, with far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economic and industrial landscape.
He cautioned against any form of chaos or unrest, particularly as the country approaches the crucial 2024 December elections, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts and maintenance of stability to ensure a conducive environment for the democratic process.
NAGRAT Waits for Official Word from SSNIT
Moreover, Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers, indicated that the association will not call off its intended strike until it receives an official communiqué confirming the abrogation of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) sale of a 60% stake in four of its hotels.
According to him, in this era of technological advancement, anyone could have fabricated the letter; therefore, they will not call off their strike until they receive an official communiqué.
“We are in a technological age and people are capable of doing anything with technology. We don’t want to take a decision that will [embarrass us] on Monday morning.
“We want to get surety that it is the SSNIT board headed by Elizabeth Ohene who actually took the decision and communicated the same public.”
Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers
Mr. Carbonu stated that after receiving an official communiqué from SSNIT, the leadership of NAGRAT will issue a statement regarding their decision.
He reiterated that they want SSNIT to abrogate the sale, and once this is done, the teachers’ union will issue a statement.
The President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwifery Association, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, also stated that the association will not call off its strike because it appears that SSNIT is not taking their concerns seriously.
She emphasized that the GRNMA went through numerous steps before deciding to embark on industrial action, and therefore, SSNIT’s release of a message without directing it to her outfit and other organized labor unions will not alter their stance.
Madam Ofori-Ampofo stated that the least SSNIT could have done was to call a press conference, issue a formal letter, or put their statement on official SSNIT letterhead, rather than the approach they adopted. In this regard, she affirmed that the strike will still take effect on July 15.
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