01/10/2025
Father and Son Divergent Views on Electrochem Layoffs: A Call for Truth and Justice
Opesika T. Puplampu, you are my father in journalism and I will never forget that. Everybody in Ada knows the role you played in my journey, and my work at Eagle FM is proof of the values I learnt from you. That is why I am saying this with respect. In our work, we can agree to disagree, but we must also stand by the truth.
Your write-up gave a wide picture of Electrochem Ghana Limited, the politics, the community support, and the need for unity. All of that is important. But honestly, your take makes the struggles of the workers look smaller than they really are, and that is where I disagree.
The reality on the ground is clear: workers were laid off suddenly without notice, some are owed many months of salary, and others never received their severance pay. These are not rumours or political talk; these are facts. Some workers even say they have gone up to eight months without pay. Calling this “restructuring” alone does not match what people are going through in their homes.
And let us not forget: some of these workers have served the Songor Lagoon for 30 to 40 years of their life. After giving their youth and energy to this resource, how can they suddenly be sent home with nothing? That is more than restructuring, that is injustice. People who have sacrificed that long deserve respect, their benefits, and recognition, not dismissal without due process.
Yes, the company has done good things, sponsoring festivals, giving scholarships, and providing water. Those things are good. But a worker’s pay is not a favour; it is their right. You cannot replace someone’s unpaid wages with a scholarship or festival sponsorship.
I also hear your point about politics making things worse in Ada. That is true. But we shouldn’t use that to brush aside the real complaints of the workers. They are not protesting because of party politics. They are protesting because their salaries have not been paid, and their families are suffering.
On unity and dialogue, I agree with you completely. But unity must start with truth. The truth is that workers feel cheated. If that truth is not accepted, then dialogue will not bring peace.
So, father, I respect your broader vision, but I also stand with the workers. Journalism teaches us to tell the full story, the good and the painful parts together. That is the only way Ada can really move forward.
Joseph Akrofi Ocansey Abraham Ahumah Ada News Online John Dramani Mahama Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo Ministry of Local Government Philip Teye Agbove Adjaottor Ebenezer Ghana Media JoyNews
