JAPTU Ghana calls off intended sit-down strike action

The timely intervention of the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Mr. Michael Achagwe Luguje and the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, averted a sit-down strike by the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) Ghana scheduled for Monday, 6th May 2024.

JAPTU Ghana, which is the umbrella body of all transport associations operating from the Ports of Ghana had threatened to embark on an indefinite sit-down strike after failed attempts by authorities to address issues on rising incidents of armed robbery attacks on truck drivers, harassment by some uniformed officers and demands for illicit payments, especially along the central corridor, and coupled with the apparent lack of strong and decisive action by the police and other state security agencies.

However, on Sunday, 5th May 2024, a high-powered delegation from the Ghana Police Service led by the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare together with the management of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority engaged the truck drivers at the Transit terminal and assured them of their resolve to address all their challenges.

This proactive move by the police administration and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority calmed the nerves of the truck drivers who described the move as a positive one, leading to the termination of the strike.

JAPTU-Ghana later issued a press statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Musah to notify all stakeholders in the maritime industry in Ghana that, their intended strike action has been called off with immediate effect.

They showed appreciation to the Inspector-General of the Ghana Police Service, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr. Michael Achagwe Luguje and their abled lieutenants for the swift and decisive manner in which they moved to initiate processes towards addressing their concerns.

The statement commended members of JAPTU for their show of solidarity and cooperation and assured them that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring a congenial atmosphere for them to do their work devoid of fear or abuse.