Tensions Escalate As Ghana Highway Authority Workers Revolt against Merger
In an unprecedented show of resistance, workers of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) are on the brink of a nationwide industrial action, threatening to paralyze Ghana’s road sector over the controversial implementation of the National Roads Authority (NRA) Act 2024 (Act 1118). The brewing crisis, which has been simmering for weeks, has now reached a critical point as staff issue stark ultimatums to government authorities.
At the heart of the controversy lies the government’s ambitious plan to merge three major road sector agencies – the Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads (DUR), and Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) – into a single entity under the newly established National Roads Authority. This consolidation, according to government sources, aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in road infrastructure management.
However, GHA workers view this merger as an existential threat to their institution’s autonomy and legacy. In a strongly-worded circular issued to management, the workers, through their Senior Staff Association, have outlined a series of demands with strict deadlines. The most immediate demand calls for the removal of Engineer I.K. Mensah and Engineer Collins B. Donkor within seven working days, while also insisting on the complete revocation of the NRA Act within 14 working days.
The workers’ grievances are deeply rooted in institutional pride and historical context. According to senior GHA staff members, their institution played a pivotal role in establishing both the Department of Urban Roads and Department of Feeder Roads. “It’s like a parent being forced to submit to its children,” remarked one senior engineer who requested anonymity. “This restructuring not only undermines our authority but also threatens decades of institutional knowledge and expertise.”
The planned industrial action, scheduled to commence on November 12, 2024, threatens to bring Ghana’s road sector to a standstill. The strike would affect operations across all key infrastructural points, including the GHA head office, regional offices, road and bridge maintenance units, tollway stations, and resident engineers’ offices nationwide. This widespread disruption could have severe implications for ongoing road projects and routine maintenance work across the country.
In a dramatic display of protest, workers have already begun staging demonstrations at the GHA yard, brandishing red bands and protest banners with messages directed at the presidency. Notable among these are emphatic statements such as “Mr. President, Ghana Highway Authority cannot be reduced to a division” and “Stop this evil against GHA.”
The circular detailing the workers’ demands has been strategically distributed to key stakeholders in Ghana’s road sector hierarchy, including the Minister of Roads and Highways, GHA Board Secretary, Deputy Chief Executives, and various divisional directors. This wide distribution appears to be a calculated move to ensure maximum attention to their grievances.
The workers’ demands extend beyond the institutional restructuring to include leadership changes. They are calling for the immediate dismissal of the board chairman and retired chief executive, arguing that these changes are essential “for peace to reign.” This personal dimension to the protest suggests deeper institutional challenges that predate the current crisis.
Industry experts warn that the implications of this standoff could be far-reaching. Dr. Kwame Afriyie, an infrastructure policy analyst at the University of Ghana, notes, “The merger of these institutions isn’t just an administrative exercise. It represents a fundamental shift in how Ghana manages its road infrastructure. The resistance from GHA workers highlights the complexities of institutional reform in the public sector.”
The timing of this crisis is particularly challenging for the government, as Ghana continues to grapple with various infrastructure development projects. The threatened strike could potentially delay crucial road construction and maintenance works, affecting both urban and rural communities that depend on these services.
The workers’ stance has garnered attention from various quarters, with some civil society organizations expressing concern about the potential impact on national development. The Civil Society Platform for Infrastructure Development has called for dialogue between the government and GHA workers, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to sector reforms.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the government’s response to these demands. Sources close to the Ministry of Roads and Highways indicate that high-level meetings are being held to address the situation. However, the government faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining its reform agenda and addressing the legitimate concerns of GHA workers.
The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for future public sector reforms in Ghana. If the government backs down, it could embolden other institutions facing similar restructuring. Conversely, if the workers’ demands are ignored, the resulting industrial action could cause significant disruption to Ghana’s infrastructure development plans.
As November 7 approaches, the tension continues to mount. The resolution of this crisis will not only determine the future of Ghana’s road sector management but also test the government’s ability to implement major institutional reforms while maintaining industrial harmony. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if Ghana’s road sector will face unprecedented disruption.
Source : Innocent Samuel Appiah
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