More than 1000 workers of Zoil and ECOTECH, organisations contracted by government to plant trees as part of the National Plantation Development Programme (NPDP), are demanding payment of arrears in their salaries spanning several months.

A participant at the on-going National Forest Forum, who spoke on behalf of the workers called on government to help solve the problem. Mr Hugh Brown, Plantation Director at the Forestry Commission, however, explained to Ghana News Agency that the contracts of Zoil and ECOTECH ended in May.

He said as part of the contract the companies were supposed to have a bond that would guarantee that they satisfy the requirements of the NPDP. Mr Brown said there has however been a delay in satisfying the requirements and the delayed payment of salaries could be attributed to that.

He said the Forestry Commission is not the organisation responsible for the payment of the salaries of the workers. Mr Brown expressed the hope that the parties involve would come to a compromise soon to solve the problem.

The National Forest Forum organised by Civic Response, a non- governmental organisation aims at enhancing collaboration among stakeholders of the forest sector.

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