The Timber and Woodworkers Union of the TUC has called on the government to institute a committee of enquiry into the shooting incident by the Sunyani Police at Sfier Anthony Company Limited, a timber firm in the Brong Ahafo region. The incident, which resulted in the death of Mr Joseph Twumasi, an employee of the company, occurred during a peaceful demonstration held by the workers in protest against the unconditional withdrawal of the Cost Of Living Allowance by the management of the company.
The General Secretary of the Union, Mr George L. Mannah, denied at a press conference in Accra today that the workers held their management hostage and in an attempt by the police to free them, a confrontation ensued resulting in the loss of life and damage to properties.
Mr Mannah said workers are not to be blamed for the incident since management of the company withdrew without prior notice, the 100 per cent COLA as negotiated by the Ghana Timber Millers Organisation and the TWU to which the company is a party.
He said the workers were not armed and were rather locked out by management in contravention of the Industrial Relations Act 1965 (Act 299) which constitutes unfair labour practice. Mr Mannah advised the management of the company to adopt dialogue and negotiations in such matters rather than inviting the police to maintain order and end up shooting and killing. He hoped that the committee’s work would be completed within one month and called for an immediate re-opening of the factory for normal work to resume. Mr Alex Bonney, Chairman of the local TUC said according to investigations, the police were shooting above waist level during the demonstration, which is ”senseless since they are supposed to protect citizens in the country”. He said the policeman who shot and killed the worker is now in custody pending further investigations, adding that “he must be dealt with according to law to deter others from such irresponsible act.”
