Continued job agitations in power enclave is unfair – Shama DCE
Mr Joseph Amoah, the Shama District Chief Executive, has expressed worry over the misbehaviour of some youths with employment concerns in the Aboadze power enclave.
Mr Amoah at a press conference at Shama, recounted that shortly after assuming office, the issues of job agitation was tabled before him which led to the summoning of a meeting with assembly members, leadership of the companies in the enclave, DISEC members and the Western Regional Minister to find a lasting solution to this social security threats.
He said hours after the deliberation, it was agreed that a memorandum of understanding be signed with all parties involved and employment channeled through the district assembly using a laid down criteria that favoured all communities concerned.
Mr Amoah expressed concern that in spite of the existing arrangements, a fraction of the youth would take the law into their hands and demonstrate against such an arrangement on 16 September, 2018.
The DCE said the strategic nature of this national asset raised lots of security concerns since occasionally some youth do come to the enclave with the motive to cause mayhem.
He said figures given by the company to the assembly indicates that about 502 people have been employed out of the 1500 so far by Amandi; 400 out of 800 by the Twyford company within the project’s catchment area.
The DCE said it is unfair for Mr K Baidoo, the Assembly member for Aboadze, to continue to lead the effort against this peaceful arrangement and instigate the youth to foment unnecessary disturbances in the area.
The DCE described the actions of the assembly member as very confrontational and wondered why he could agree to a similar arrangement on the WAPCO and Ghana Gas Company and would not agree to that of Amandi.
Mr Amoah “so why not for Amandi? Is it because the WAPCO and Ghana Gas Project is sited on Inchaban Land, is this assembly man saying that what is good for the goose is not good for the gander ? Again, why have all the assembly members agreed to the Amandi arrangement with the exception of Mr Baidoo?”
The DCE said allowing the demands of the assembly man to hold, meant institutionalizing youth agitations and revolts in the district and this could have adverse effects on development in the society.
“We are seeking to create alternative opportunities for employment through government policies like one district one factory, planting for food and jobs amongst others and this we are vigorously pursuing”.
“I therefore appeal for your support and I mean all the 62 communities in the district to ensure that the vision of a better and prosperous Ghana is realised here in the Shama District as well”.
Source: GNA