The May Day celebration in the Ashanti Region took a dramatic turn when Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) employees protested against the regional minister, Simon Osei-Mensah by staging a walkout.
The protest took place during the minister’s speech at the Workers’ Day event in Kumasi on May 1, 2024. ECG staff staged a walkout in response to ongoing tensions with Osei-Mensah following the arrest of their general manager for the Ashanti Region.
The employees were displeased with the minister’s refusal to apologize for his involvement in the incident which according to them is inappropriate and has since brewed tensions over the past week.
Reports indicate that the protest was prompted by Osei-Mensah’s lack of remorse regarding the arrest. The National Vice Chairman of the ECG Senior Staff Workers’ Union, Bismark Adomah, indicated that the company would maintain its stance against the minister until he issues a formal apology.
Remarks Made by The National Vice Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Senior Staff Workers’ Union
As you are aware, we already have an issue with him. He has done something that the workers are not happy about. Initially, the workers’ front was demanding that we shouldn’t even appear at all. But we think that this is our program and we need to be present.
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, Mr. Adomah remarked.
The walkout point to the strained relationship between the regional minister and the ECG staff, highlighting the need for resolution to ensure smooth operations in the region.
