Workers of PBC Limited have renewed their call on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his promise to revive the struggling cocoa-buying company, citing worsening hardship, unpaid salaries, and operational challenges.
Addressing a press conference in Kumasi on behalf of the worker unions, Chairman of the PBC Professional and Managerial Staff Union, Osbert Baffoe Ansah, said the President repeatedly assured workers and stakeholders that PBC Limited would be restored to its former position as a leading Licensed Buying Company in Ghana.
According to him, those assurances gave workers hope that the company’s fortunes would improve. However, nearly two years into the administration, employees say their situation has worsened.
A major concern raised by the unions is the non-payment of salaries.
“Workers have gone without salary payment for twenty-seven months, with deductions also remaining unresolved in many cases. This has placed workers under severe financial strain affecting basic family needs, transport costs, medical expenses, and school-related obligations.”
The unions also complained about inadequate operational funding, which they say continues to affect productivity and service delivery.
“There is persistent underfunding for operations, resulting in disruptions to normal operations and service delivery. This has caused poor planning and increased uncertainty among workers regarding job security and operational continuity.”
The workers further expressed concern about the government’s takeover of the Buipe Shea Processing Factory, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PBC Limited.
“The unions wish to put on record our concerns about the government takeover of the 100% owned Buipe Shea Processing Factory, while leaving the associated debt burden on the company and executive management.”
They are therefore calling on government to either return the facility to PBC Limited or take over the debt associated with it.
The unions disclosed that casual workers have been among the hardest hit.
“Casual workers, who are employed for operational needs, have also endured prolonged delays in payment for over thirty-six months, at a maximum allowance of 350 Ghana cedis per month.”
Workers also lamented that salaries have not been increased in more than ten years, despite the rising cost of living.
The unions are urging President Mahama to intervene urgently to prevent the collapse of the company and ease the hardship facing workers.
“We are simply asking the President to fulfil the promises made to workers and restore PBC Limited.”
The workers say they remain hopeful that government will take swift action to address their concerns and restore PBC Limited to its former position as a major player in Ghana’s cocoa industry.
By Ibrahim Abubakar
