The Senior and Junior Staff Unions of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) have urged management to scale back the number of newly recruited senior staff to 130, in line with the company’s original recruitment plan.
This appeal follows a series of controversial recruitments conducted between December 20 and 23, 2024, which have caused unrest among staff.
The staff expressed discontent over management’s alleged bad faith, accusing them of stifling promotions with claims of financial constraints while simultaneously recruiting new staff.
During a Standing Joint Negotiations Committee (SJNC) meeting ,several key issues were discussed, including the legal and financial implications of the appointments and the lack of office space.
The committee resolved that management limits the newly recruited staff to 130, in line with the company’s original plan,complete the promotion of existing staff by the end of February 2025, and place an internal advertisement by January 20, 2025, to allow qualified existing employees to assume higher responsibilities.
Additionally, the Union also urged management to commence salary negotiations on January 28, 2025, following board approval.
The unions urged workers to remain calm as these resolutions are implemented.
The recent recruitment exercise, which some allege involves political patronage, has raised questions about the company’s financial capacity and operational priorities.
Concerns have also been expressed regarding promotions, with many junior staff accusing management of sidelining them despite their qualifications and long service.
A letter by an anonymous staff member addressed to President John Dramani Mahama detailed alleged administrative misconduct under the leadership of Managing Director Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah.
The petitioner highlighted issues of poor working conditions and management indifference to junior staff welfare.
The petitioner also touched on allegations that management prioritizes hiring external recruits over promoting qualified internal staff.
Also pointed out significant salary gaps between junior and senior staff, with junior staff denied benefits such as medical coverage for dependents.
The controversy adds to numerous new recruitment challenges faced by the the new NDC administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has requested heads of public institutions to provide details of new recruits added to government payrolls since December 7, 2024, as part of efforts to ensure payroll integrity.
Meanwhile President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Adam Mutawakilu as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Water Company Limited.
The appointment of the former Member of Parliament for Domongo takes immediate effect as announced in a letter signed by Callistus Mahama, PhD., Secretary to the President.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Obed Ansah
