Tensions are high at the Ho GPRTU office, where former executive members have locked the premises, preventing the newly elected officers from taking up their roles.
The former executives reportedly refuse to hand over control of the office after losing recent elections, despite multiple court rulings in favor of the new leadership.
According to Mr. Dickson Dogbatse, the newly elected chairman for GPRTU Ho Branch 2, the former officers are unwilling to vacate the office despite a mandate from the GPRTU’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The NEC initially directed the National Secretariat to enforce the transition after a meeting held on August 8, 2023, where the former officers’ refusal to comply with union rules was discussed.
In December 2023, the NEC officially dismissed these former officers under Article 3(b) of the GPRTU’s constitution, which requires members to adhere to union policies and directives.
This dismissal was issued following the former officers’ refusal to honor a summons to the National Secretariat.
Despite their removal, the former officers, led by Michael Sonkro, continue to occupy the office and prevent the new administration from taking charge.
The NEC has now mandated a team to oversee the eviction of the former officers to restore stability in Ho Branch No. 2.
National executives are currently in the region to inaugurate the new officers, but the locked office has delayed the process.