COCOBOD workers describe allegations by ICU, GAWU as false

By Kodjo Adams, GNA
Accra, May 15, GNA - The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Workers Union, has described the allegations leveled against management of the Board by the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) and the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), as false.

The two unions on Thursday led a demonstration in Accra and later petitioned the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to mount pressure on the government to dismiss Dr Stephen Opuni, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD.

Reacting to accusation of wrongdoing against COCOBOD at a news conference in Accra, Alhaji Idris Hassan, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of COCOBOD Workers, said the ICU and GAWU were worried at the decision of COCOBOD workers to form their own union.

Alhaji Hassan explained that the decision was constitutional because the constitution of the country permits freedom of association.

He said the ICU attempted to apply for a court injunction to prevent the COCOBOD workers from breaking away but that could not materialise and decided to resort to public opinion by peddling falsehood.

'The constitution of the ICU requires workers to serve the ICU three months notice, while the GAWU Constitution also requires a six-month notice and the workers of COCOBOD complied with the directives,' he added.

Alhaji Hassan explained that COCOBOD decided to break away from ICU because of unfair negotiations, which would affect the welfare of the workers since their interest is key to the success of the company.

He said ICU as part of its restructuring process wanted to privatize Cocoa Marketing Company which they belief is detrimental to the progress of the company and the economy as well.

Alhaji noted that ICU wanted to negotiate with COCOBOD workers salary without allowance which they objected, adding that they took the decision to break away mainly because of dishonesty on the part of ICU.

He said more than 2,000 workers had filled their forms to withdraw their membership from the ICU and GAWU.

The COCOBOD workers are of the view that ICU and GAWU have mobilised unknown people in the name of Staff of COCOBOD which they believed was criminal and unacceptable.

Alhaji Hassan said those who showed up at the demonstration have no association with COCOBOD as being portrayed by ICU and GAWU and are calling for their arrest to offer prove of the true identity of the so called 'Staff of COCOBOD'.

GNA