Crisis@VRA?

More than 20 senior employees, mostly engineers and other core personnel of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have resigned their appointments between September and October, this year.

Reports say the spate of resignations would continue if government does not step in on time to curb the situation. The rate of resignations recorded so far have been described as unprecedented in the history of the nation’s powerhouse reputed for granting the highest welfare package for staff after the Bank of Ghana.

The high staff turnover was triggered by recent developments being pursued by its management including arbitrary transfers of staff without consultation and on short notices while an embargo has also been placed on all applications for study leave (without pay). Others have also had their leave revoked.

Working hours, which used to be from 8 am to 3pm without break has been extended to 8 am to 5pm without due notice and there has been limited access to official vehicles and other facilities considered necessary for the execution of duties. Furthermore, staff have had their jobs changed without consultation sending negative signals to the employees, some of whom have decided to opt out.

Again the new management of VRA has revoked the existing staff collective agreement, while a new one is being proposed. Other issues relating to Staff Provident Fund have also been highlighted as causes for the resignations. When contacted the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Gertrude Koomson confirmed that there has been transfers but said that it was in line with corporate vision of VRA, which is pursuing a decentralization and devolution programme. She however said though, there are resignations, it is normal and therefore not a crisis. She also indicated that she is not aware of senior staff resigning from the organization.