The Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union (MDU) has commended President Akufo-Addo, for taking a decisive step to dealing with the concerns of the union members in relation to the concession agreement of the Container Terminal (Terminal 3) of Meridian Ports Services (MPS) in Tema Port.
“The leadership of MDU and the executives of the Local Unions of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) wish to express our gratitude to you for creating a conducive atmosphere for open and frank discussion on the MPS issue. We felt encouraged to express our fears, anxiety, comments and suggestions on the matter,” the union said.
The union made the commendation in a letter addressed to the president and released to the media in Accra on Thursday.
Aggrieved workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) have kicked against the implementation of the Tema Ports Expansion concession agreement by the Meridian Port Service (MPS).
With current the monopolistic rights of MPS, GPHA and other operators in the Tema Port such as terminal operators, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Stevedoring companies and shore handling companies are to lose huge revenues that may lead to the collapse of many container-related businesses.
GPHA is likely to sack about 1,400 workers to make way for the deal, thereby causing the Authority to lose millions of dollars in revenue in addition to over US$800 million granted to MPS in tax concessions.
Over 3, 000 workers at the various ICDs, Stevedoring companies and shore handling companies are to also lose their jobs after the implementation of the deal.
While applauding the president for decision to review the deal, the union requested that he attach urgency to the implementation of actions for the renegotiation of the MPS Container Terminal (Terminal3) agreement for Tema Port”.