Ghana Highway Authority staff threaten indefinite strike
The simmering tensions between the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) staff and the government have reached a boiling point, with the threat of an indefinite nationwide strike looming large on the horizon. This escalation comes in the wake of a week-long strike that was suspended after the National Labour Commission (NLC) secured a court injunction.
The GHA staff, driven by long-standing grievances over employment conditions, administrative appointments, and a perceived lack of government engagement, have now issued an ultimatum to the NLC: resolve their concerns by November 29, 2024, or face an unprecedented shutdown of all operations across the country.
At the centre of the controversy is the appointment of the Director of Feeder Roads, Samuel Amoako, as the Director-General of the newly merged entity, effectively placing the DFR in a position of authority over the GHA. Adding fuel to the fire is the decision to make Engineer Collins B. Donkor, the recently retired Chief Executive of the GHA, the deputy Director-General, a move perceived by many as a demotion and a slap in the face to the organization’s leadership.
“The GHA is the parent organization, not the other way around,” argues GHA staff. “The DFR and DUR are offshoots of the GHA, and now they want to make us their subordinates? It’s an insult to our history and the vital role we play in maintaining Ghana’s highway network.”
The staff’s grievances extend beyond the leadership changes, encompassing broader concerns about employment conditions, administrative appointments, and what they perceive as a lack of meaningful engagement by the government. The proposed merger, they argue, is a unilateral decision made without their input or consent, further fueling resentment and a sense of disenfranchisement.
The situation regarding retirement age policies within organizations like the GHA often raises questions about fairness and consistency. It’s not uncommon for directors, like Mr. Atsu Amedzake, who reach retirement age, to be required to leave their positions immediately. This strict adherence to retirement policies can be seen as a way to ensure that leadership positions are regularly refreshed and that new perspectives are brought into the organization.
However, the case of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) being allowed to remain in post after reaching retirement age can create a perception of double standards. This discrepancy may arise from various factors, such as the unique responsibilities of the CEO role, the need for continuity in leadership, or specific contractual agreements that allow for extended tenure. These exceptions can be contentious, leading to feelings of inequity among staff and undermining morale. Ultimately, a clear and transparent policy regarding retirement and extension of service for key positions is essential to maintain fairness and trust within the organization.
The potential consequences of such a strike are far-reaching and could have devastating effects on Ghana’s road infrastructure, public safety, and the broader economy. At the heart of this crisis lies the fate of the nation’s axle load stations, which serve as critical checkpoints for monitoring and enforcing weight limits for commercial vehicles.
“Overloaded vehicles are a ticking time bomb on our roads,” warns Maxwell Kwabena Agyemang, a veteran road safety advocate and former GHA engineer. “Without axle load stations in operation, we could see a surge in overloaded trucks, leading to increased accidents, infrastructure damage, and ultimately, loss of life.”
Mr. Agyemang’s concerns are echoed by experts who understand the pivotal role axle load stations play in preserving Ghana’s road network and safeguarding the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike. Overloaded trucks not only pose a severe safety risk due to their increased braking distances and reduced maneuverability, but they also inflict disproportionate damage to road surfaces, leading to premature deterioration and the need for costly repairs.
“It’s a vicious cycle,” explains Dr. Felicity Amenuvor, a transportation economist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. “Overloaded trucks cause road damage, which then necessitates more frequent and expensive maintenance, diverting resources away from critical infrastructure development projects.”
Beyond the safety implications, the potential shutdown of axle load stations also carries significant economic consequences. These stations serve as a crucial revenue source for the GHA, generating funds through fines and fees levied on overloaded vehicles. This revenue stream is vital for financing ongoing road maintenance and construction projects, ensuring the sustainability and efficient operation of Ghana’s transportation network.
“The potential loss of revenue from axle load stations could be catastrophic,” warns Dr. Amenuvor. “Without these funds, the GHA’s ability to maintain and upgrade our roads could be severely compromised, leading to further deterioration and increased costs down the line.”
Industry experts estimate that overloaded trucks cost the Ghanaian economy millions of cedis annually in accelerated road damage and associated repairs. Axle load stations play a crucial role in mitigating this financial burden by deterring overloading and generating revenue through fines and fees.
“Every overloaded truck that goes unchecked represents a direct cost to the taxpayer,” explains Ama Mensah, a logistics expert and CEO of Freight Xpress Solutions. “These costs eventually trickle down to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, as transportation costs increase to accommodate the need for more frequent repairs and maintenance.”
The potential shutdown of axle load stations also raises concerns about the potential for increased corruption and bribery along major transportation routes. Without proper oversight and enforcement mechanisms in place, unscrupulous truck operators may attempt to circumvent weight limits, compromising road safety and infrastructure integrity.
“We cannot afford to let our guard down when it comes to overloading,” cautions Mr. Agyemang. “A breakdown in enforcement could open the floodgates for illegal practices, putting lives at risk and undermining our efforts to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network.”
The current impasse is the culmination of months of simmering tensions between the GHA staff and the government. In a bid to have their grievances addressed, the staff embarked on a week-long strike earlier this year, bringing operations to a standstill. However, their efforts were temporarily halted when the NLC secured a court injunction, compelling the workers to return to their posts.
Undeterred, the GHA staff convened a meeting to chart the way forward, ultimately deciding to give the NLC until November 29, 2024, to resolve their concerns. Failure to do so, they warn, will result in an indefinite nationwide strike, shutting down all GHA operations and closing every office across the country.
“We have exhausted all peaceful means to have our voices heard,” laments a GHA union member. “The government’s inaction has left us with no choice but to take this drastic step. We cannot continue to work under these conditions, and the well-being of our nation’s road infrastructure hangs in the balance.”
As the strike deadline looms, calls for urgent government intervention and dialogue with GHA staff have intensified. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the grievances of the workers while also safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and revenue streams.
“This is not just about addressing the concerns of GHA staff,” asserts Dr. Amenuvor. “It’s about recognizing the far-reaching implications of their strike on our economy, our safety, and our ability to sustain a robust transportation network.”
Juliet Ama Mensah echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of open communication and a willingness to find common ground. “Both sides need to approach this issue with a spirit of compromise and a shared understanding of what’s at stake,” she urges. “The consequences of inaction are simply too grave to ignore.”
As the clock ticks closer to the strike deadline, the sense of urgency grows palpable. Ghanaians from all walks of life are holding their breath, hoping that their government and GHA staff can find a way forward that not only addresses the legitimate concerns of the workers but also safeguards the nation’s vital road infrastructure, ensures safety, and protects a critical revenue stream.
“This is a pivotal moment for our country,” reflects Mr. Agyemang. “The decisions made in the coming days will have far-reaching implications for our economic prosperity, our safety, and our ability to maintain a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation network that supports our aspirations for growth and development.”
With the potential shutdown of axle load stations and a complete halt to GHA operations looming, the stakes have never been higher. Only through open dialogue, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to finding a resolution can Ghana avert the potentially disastrous consequences of an indefinite GHA staff strike.
The nation’s economic future, road safety, the integrity of its infrastructure, and the well-being of its citizens hang in the balance, underscoring the urgency of resolving this impasse before it’s too late. As the deadline draws near, all eyes are on the government and the GHA staff, with the hope that cooler heads will prevail and a path forward can be forged, one that safeguards the nation’s vital interests while addressing the legitimate concerns of its dedicated workforce.
By Innocent Samuel Appiah