LET’S DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE ISSUES

Date: 19th October 2021

The Deputy Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in Charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Emmanuel Ray Ankrah, has implored organized labour to endeavour to engage with employers through dialogue to address pertinent issues that affect workers’ condition of service.

Mr. Ankrah gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected COCOBOD Local Union Executives of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) at Cocoa House in Accra. 

Mr Ankrah lauded the conduit role of the Union in assisting the Board to bring the grievances of staff to the attention of Management and urged them not to renege on that function.

He further indicated that when the relationship between Management and Staff is positive, it has rippling effects on major outcomes along the cocoa value chain and   advised the executives to stimulate continued positive engagements with staff during their tenure of office to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

“Management will do their best in responding to staff welfare but then let your people also show commitment, dedication and devotion and rally behind management’s vision of sustaining the cocoa industry”, he emphasized. 

The General Secretary of ICU, Mr. Morgan Ayawine used the opportunity to encourage the new executives to carry out their responsibilities with fairness and respect for Management and staff. 

“ICU is about peace and dialogue, not violent nor riots, so make sure in expressing your grievances to management, the appropriate channel is used”, he cautioned. 

The Chairman of the Union, Bro. Eric Turkson assured of his team’s determination to work closely with Management to effectively execute and resolve all issues relating to the welfare of staff of the Board. According to him, dialogue is the best approach to press home a request and assured that his administration would use dialogue effectively. 

The other members of the Union are Sis. Jemima Ankomah, (Vice Chair); Sis. Saratu Mohammed (Secretary); Bro. Daniel Samari, (Assist. Secretary); Bro. Richard Nana Ampofo Kumah (1st Trustee); Bro. Terry N. Joy Nelson (2nd Trustee); Sis. Gertrude Koranteng (Executive Member); Sis. Abigail Doe Mankralo (Women Representative) and Bro. Dennis Sarpong (Youth Representative).