Ghana AIRPORTs Grind To A Halt Over Corruption, Mismanagement

Activities at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and other major airports in the country are expected to come to a screeching halt as workers of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) have issued an ultimatum for an indefinite industrial action.

The Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers’ Union of the Trade Union Congress has directed all staff at KIA to withdraw their services from 6 am on Friday, February 26 indefinitely.

Their reasons for the impending action are gross mismanagement and abuse of office by the GACL Managing Director Yaw Kwakwa and the board of the state airport company.

In a press statement released today, February 25, 2021, the workers accused the board of deliberately shelving the report of an investigative committee that reportedly indicted Mr. Kwakwa for corruption and maladministration.

“We believe that the only way to turn the fortunes of the company around is the removal of the Managing Director,” read the release signed by Abdul Issaka-Bamba, the Divisional Chairman of the workers union.

The strike will affect the sections that screen pre-boarding passengers, fire and safety officers for all aircraft, water supply and sewage workers and workers responsible for public announcement and information.

This threat basically means no flight will be able to land or take off from KIA and in times of COVID-19, that could spell doom for stranded passengers.

The GACL has been embroiled in numerous scandals, including a clandestine attempt to sell 

The investigative committee comprised the Aviation Ministry, the Board, Senior Management, and the Public Service’s Workers’ Union.

In a press statement dated February 25, the Union says the only way to turn the fortunes of the Company around is when the Managing Director is removed from his post.

Till then, the general public, especially air operators are being notified of the withdrawal of services.

Affected services include; screening of pre-board passengers and access control, fire/safety cover for all aircraft, water and sewage treatment, and public announcement and flight display.

Meanwhile, Ghana is expected to take delivery of its second consignment of Covid-19 vaccine from India. The AstraZeneca vaccines are expected to come on Emirates Airlines, but a wholesale trike will hamper that delivery.

Whatsup News has gathered that the top management of GACL is holed up in an emergency meeting to resolve the case.