Vague assurances end Kumasi Water Workers Union’s strike, but concerns remain:

A three-day strike by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) workers’ union in Kumasi has ended after management offered assurances regarding the recent unlawful demolition of senior officials’ homes.

The strike, which caused significant water shortages in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, concluded following an emergency meeting between union representatives, GWCL directors, and other stakeholders. The union, in a press release addressed by Emmanuel Okpoti Kodua, Vice Chairman of the union’s senior staff in Ashanti Production, apologized for the inconvenience caused to residents.

“The Union recognizes the significant challenges faced by our valued customers during the three-day shutdown,” the release stated. “We understand the hardship this has caused, and as a result, we have decided to suspend our industrial action effective immediately.”

The industrial action stemmed from the demolition of several properties belonging to GWCL’s top management by a private developer. The union deemed these demolitions unlawful and initiated the strike to pressure management to address the issue.

During the emergency meeting, GWCL directors assured the union of swift action to secure the remaining threatened properties and to pursue legal action against the developer responsible for the demolitions. However, the specifics of these assurances, including potential legal avenues and security measures, were not detailed in the press release. This lack of concrete information regarding the steps to be taken leaves significant questions unanswered.

While the union has temporarily suspended its action based on these promises, it emphasized its intention to closely monitor management’s progress and its readiness to resume the strike if necessary. “We have received assurances… that they will take swift and decisive steps to secure our properties and ensure justice is served,” the release said. “While we temporarily suspend our industrial action, we will not hesitate to resume the strike if necessary.” This statement underscores the tenuous nature of the agreement and the underlying distrust between the union and management.

The suspension brings temporary relief to Kumasi residents who faced severe water shortages.

However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the resolution of the property disputes, coupled with the lack of specific details from management, underscores the potential for future disruptions. The union has committed to working toward a lasting solution and to continue ensuring the reliable delivery of water services. The identity of the private developer involved in the demolitions remains undisclosed. Further reporting will follow to clarify the details of management’s promised actions and assess the long-term implications for Kumasi’s water supply.