A looming water crisis is escalating in the Ashanti Region as employees of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) announce a possible shutdown of operations. Apexnewsgh reports
The staff plan to halt work at 9:00 am on Friday in response to what they deem illegal encroachment on their official residential facilities in Nhyiaeso.
The protest follows a series of distressing events, including the demolition of the walls of two official bungalows that house GWCL directors. These demolitions occurred on December 6, 2024, followed by the destruction of the attached boys’ quarters on December 10.
Emmanuel Okpoti Kobia, Vice Chairman of the Ashanti Divisional Union of GWCL, voiced his outrage at these actions, describing them as a blatant disrespect for the company’s authority. “We witnessed the unnecessary demolition of two directors’ fence walls and the boys’ quarters, which raises serious questions about the protocols and respect that should govern our operations,” he lamented.
The workers have pointed fingers at Rose Hamilton, who they allege is a private developer and owner of the Crystal Rose Hotel, as the individual behind the demolitions. Kobia recounted how shocked they were to see a return of the demolition crew, despite having reported the prior destruction to the police.
On the day of the first demolition, Kobia and his colleagues promptly alerted law enforcement at the Central District Police Station. They had met with Hamilton, who was present at the station, and it was agreed that both parties would await further instructions from GWCL’s Head Office. “How then could she send miscreants the next day to demolish the boys’ quarters?” Kobia questioned.
He further explained that while the regional coordinating council had indicated a decision to take control of certain GWCL properties, regional management instructed the staff to communicate any actions to the Head Office following proper protocols.
“Let us put on record that under no circumstances has the region received any communication from the Head Office allowing these lands to be ceded to developers,” Kobia emphasized. He urged for adherence to established procedures, stressing the importance of maintaining respect for the company and its workers in resolving such conflicts.
As tensions mount, the future of water services in the region hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution to this pressing issue.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
