Police close down Sabat Motors

Accra (Greater Accra) 28 April ?99

The conflict between Directors and workers of Sabat Motors in Accra took a different turn on Tuesday when Police sealed off the premises and prevented workers from entering.

According to Inspector David S. Eklu of the Police Public Relations Directorate, the action was to protect state property.

Police presence was at the request of management "to secure safety of all property", he said.

Meanwhile, the workers are protesting against the police action saying that although there has been a ruling by the Greater Accra Regional Tribunal that Sabat Motors reverts to its former status, Automotive and Technical Services (ATS) Limited, the tribunal has not given them an order to stop work.

A spokesman of the workers said they were waiting peacefully for the institution of an interim management that would see to the running of a viable company.

The workers, who are shareholders in Sabat Motors, appealed to the police to allow them to resume work.

The spokesman said as part-owners of the company it is wrong to ignore them in discussions on the closure of the company since there is the need to discuss and agree on payment of entitlements.