Tensions escalated during the May Day celebration in the Ashanti region as employees of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) staged a walkout while Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, was delivering his speech on Wednesday, May 1.
The employees were protesting against the minister’s decision to have their Regional Manager arrested and his failure to issue an apology for this action.
The National Vice Chairman of the ECG Senior Staff Workers Union, Bismark Adomah, announced that the company would suspend all communication with the Minister until an official apology and withdrawal of the case were issued promptly.
“As you are aware, we already have an issue with him. He has done something that the workers front are not happy. Initially, the workers front were demanding that we shouldn’t even appear at all. But we think that this is our programme and we need to represent. Since he said he’s not ready to fulfill whatever we asked him to do, we don’t even want to listen to him. So, this is just a peaceful protest that we’re not going to listen to whatever he will say. If he’s done with his speech, we’ll go back.”
Furthermore, the ECG workers’ union threatened to disconnect the Ashanti Regional Minister’s private residence if it is discovered that he has outstanding electricity bills.
This threat arose after Simon Osei Mensah denied accusations of unpaid electricity bills at some of his private properties.
Mr. Osei Mensah clarified that, with the exception of his Jachie residence, all his other properties operate on prepaid meters.
However, Yussif Osmanu Abdulai, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of ECG-Ashanti West, disclosed on Luv FM that the power company is currently reviewing meter readings from the minister’s residence.
If it is confirmed that he has unpaid bills, they will not hesitate to disconnect power to his home.
Watch video below:
May Day Chaos: ECG Staff walk out during Ashanti Regional Minister’s speech. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/8H5CSgsTWC
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) May 1, 2024