Workers of the Ghana Port and Harbour Authority (GPHA) have raised concerns over what they describe as widespread demotions, salary reductions, and poor treatment under the institution’s new leadership.
In a statement published by the Hawk newspaper, the managing editor, Charles McCarthy said on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, that, staff alleged that following the appointment of Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye as Director-General by President John Mahama, several promotions granted under the previous administration were reviewed and declared unmerited.
According to the workers, the review process led to the demotion of a significant number of employees and resulted in salary reductions ranging between 45% and 70%.
The aggrieved staff claim they were encouraged to submit petitions challenging the decisions but say they have yet to receive any satisfactory response.
The workers also lamented long-standing employment issues, alleging that some employees who have served the institution for 18 to 21 years remain on non-permanent contracts despite their years of service.
They further accused management of sidelining experienced staff while recruiting new personnel and requiring existing workers to train them.
Another concern raised in the petition relates to what employees describe as the blocking of travel and professional development opportunities since the assumption of office by the new Director-General.
In one of the strongest statements contained in the petition, the workers declared: “Everybody is crying at GPHA but has no redeemer.”
They also accused the Director-General, whom they referred to as a “soldierman,” of mistreating workers and creating a hostile working environment.
The petition calls on authorities to intervene, arguing that leadership positions should be used to support and empower workers rather than suppress them.
Management has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
