{"id":108046,"date":"2025-12-22T17:57:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T17:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=108046"},"modified":"2025-12-22T17:57:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T17:57:33","slug":"puwu-threatens-industrial-action-over-illegal-takeover-of-ghana-water-lands-in-ashanti-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=108046","title":{"rendered":"PUWU threatens industrial action over illegal takeover of Ghana Water Lands in Ashanti region"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>2 Minute, 8 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>
\"PUWU<\/p>\n

The Public Utility Workers\u2019 Union (PUWU) has issued a stern ultimatum to the government and management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), threatening to \u201cadvise ourselves\u201d if illegal demolitions and encroachments on the company\u2019s properties in the Ashanti Region are not stopped by the end of the year.<\/p>\n

In a press release dated December 12, 2025, the Union stated that despite high-level interventions, including appeals to the Government Transition Committee and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, private developers have intensified the destruction of staff bungalows and seizure of company lands.<\/p>\n

PUWU\u2019s General Secretary, Timothy Nyame, who signed the statement, framed the situation as a direct threat to the provision of potable water in the region. <\/p>\n

He argued that the targeted properties house critical management and operational staff essential for maintaining an uninterrupted water supply.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis concerted attack by private land prospectors demonstrates a clear disregard for due process,\u201d the statement read. \u201cThe demolition of company bungalows\u2026 reflects a troubling disregard for the critical role Ghana Water Limited plays.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Union, the crisis has escalated from the demolition of a single bungalow last year to several key properties being either destroyed, encroached upon, or under threat. PUWU fears that without immediate state intervention, all GWL assets in the Ashanti Region could be lost.<\/p>\n

The Union emphasised that these residences are not mere accommodations but are integral to operational readiness. \u201cThese residences are not mere accommodation units but integral to ensure operational readiness and rapid response of Management, technical, and security personnel,\u201d the release stated.<\/p>\n

This standoff occurs against a backdrop of persistent challenges to Ghana\u2019s state-owned utility assets and recurring tensions over land acquisition. The Ashanti Region, in particular, has seen numerous disputes over land ownership between state institutions, traditional authorities, and private developers.<\/p>\n

PUWU warned that any industrial action it is forced to take would inevitably disrupt water supply, and squarely placed the blame on authorities for anticipated inaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that event, management of Ghana Water Limited and the Government must not apportion blame to the workers or their Union,\u201d the statement cautioned. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe responsibility will rest squarely with those who, despite clear notice and opportunity, failed to act to protect public assets.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Union has set a firm deadline of December 31, 2025, for authorities to enforce the law, protect GWL properties, and halt the alleged harassment of its staff. It called on the public to support its fight, stating, \u201cOur struggle is not against the public; it is for the public.\u201d<\/p>\n