Organised Labour, the umbrella body of labour unions in Ghana, announced on Friday, July 12, 2024, that its members would suspend their services effective Monday, July 15, 2024.

The announcement, which was in protest of a decision by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to sell 60% of its shares in four hotels, received the endorsement of various labour unions, who issued statements directing their members to stay home from Monday.

Unions that fall under Organised Labour

Organised Labour serves as Ghana's body umbrella for labour unions, including:

Trades Union Congress (TUC)

Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL)

Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)

National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT)

Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT)

Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG)

Judicial Services Staff Association (JUSAG)

Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)

Ghana Medical Association (GMA)

University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)

Technical Universities Teachers' Association of Ghana (TUTAG)

Technical Universities Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG)

Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU)


Services that will be impacted

With the unions under Organised Labour forming a major part of Ghana's public and private workforce, a strike would impact various facets of the economy.

A strike will result in commercial and other activities coming to a halt.

Education: Schools and universities may close, affecting teaching and administrative services.

Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics could see a reduction or halt in services, including outpatient and emergency care. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) have both issued statements announcing their decision to join the strike.

Public services: Government offices and local government services may be disrupted, impacting administrative functions and public service delivery. Institutions such as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will be affected.

Judiciary: Court operations could be affected, delaying legal proceedings and administrative tasks.

Transportation: Public transportation services will be disrupted, including those provided by unionised taxi drivers.

Deal scrapped

Meanwhile, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has terminated the sale process of four hotels under its business portfolio.

In a statement dated July 12, 2024, SSNIT said it had ceased the sale process, which intended to transfer 60% of the state-owned insurance company's stake in the four hotels to a private investor.

"The Board and Management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) wish to inform the public that the process to divest 60% of SSNIT's stake in the hotels has been terminated.

"We wish to assure pensioners, contributors, and the public of our commitment to managing the affairs of the Trust prudently to ensure the sustainability of the Pension Scheme," said the statement signed by the Board Chair of SSNIT, Madam Elizabeth Ohene.

The announcement comes on the back of public resistance against the sale of the four hotels and a subsequent decision by Rock City Hotels, owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, to withdraw its bid.

Prior to SSNIT's announcement of the deal's termination, Rock City Hotels issued a statement on Friday stating its decision to withdraw from the acquisition.

According to Rock City, the decision was influenced by the negative public commentary around the deal.

GA/SEA

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