The National Democratic Congress (NDC) fraternity in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Constituency in the Central Region is urgently calling on the KEEA Municipal Assembly to settle the overdue stipends owed its casual workers for the past six months now. 

Report indicates that the delay in payment has severely impacted the livelihoods of approximately 60 casual workers, including cleaners, security personnel, and laborers.

According to the employment agreements, these casual workers are entitled to monthly stipends ranging from GH¢400 to GH¢800, depending on an individual's assigned job role, which even falls below the 2023 minimum wage of GH¢870 in Ghana and a violation of the national labor law.

Despite this, there has been a failure to disburse any stipend to the casual workers from September 2023 till date, even though services such as cleaning of the Municipal Chief Executive’s office and washroom continue to be provided.

One worker, who spoke on the grounds of anonymity, shared the hardship his family has been facing due to the delayed payment, including eviction from their rented home amid the soaring cost of living.

Another worker, a cleaner earning a monthly stipend of GH¢400, shed tears all over as she described the extreme difficulty herself and children are faced with. She mentioned having to walk to work daily, hoping for kindness from strangers to support her family.

When discussing the possibility of protesting against the Municipal Assembly, many workers expressed fear of vindictiveness and intimidation.

They also pointed out that the Assembly's demand for all casual workers to reapply for their positions was a tactic to silence their grievances.

The KEEA NDC through a press release, affirmed to stand in solidarity with these casual workers during this hard times of theirs in escalating economic difficulties, which have been exacerbated by the Nana Addo-Bawumia administration. 

The party in its release, urged the Municipal Chief Executive to show compassion and humanity, especially considering the limited time remaining in office, and to ensure the payment of all arrears owed casual workers. 

The NDC fraternity in KEEA, however, expressed to remain committed to persist in its effort until the Municipal Assembly's casual workers full payment is secured.

Source//Sompaonline.com/Eric Annan