On November 6, 2024, the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU), in collaboration with the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and farmers from the Tono Irrigation Farming Scheme, locked up the offices of Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam, Managing Director of ICOUR, and the office of the accountant. This action was prompted by Dr. Aligebam’s refusal to hand over his position after an agreement with Upper East Regional Minister Dr. Alhaji Hafiz Bin Sally to do so by November 4. Instead, he reportedly went into hiding in the Navrongo municipality.
Following the lockdown, Mr. Paa Kwesi, Industrial Relations Officer of GTUC, urged the public and stakeholders to cease recognizing Dr. Aligebam as Managing Director. He warned that any engagement with him or endorsement of cheques would be at individuals’ own risk, labeling such actions as potentially criminal.
Mr. Kwesi emphasized that Dr. Aligebam should not be allowed access to the office until a new Managing Director is appointed and approved by the board. He stated, “The office of the MD shall be cordoned off, and keys shall be handed over for safekeeping. Only a board-authorized Managing Director will have access.”
GAWU and GTUC called on the board to promptly appoint a suitable replacement for Dr. Aligebam to restore order. They also appealed to the Upper East Regional Minister, Dr. Alhaji Hafiz Bin Sally, who serves as the board chairman, to ensure that the company’s bankers cease recognizing Dr. Aligebam’s signature and block all financial transactions associated with him.
In an interview with Word News, Mr. Augustine Zoogah, General Secretary of GAWU, expressed frustration over the government’s conflicting actions, highlighting that the same government that appointed Dr. Aligebam had previously instructed him to hand over his position. He lamented that the situation at ICOUR resembled a crisis, likening it to being captured by “Boko Haram.”
Mr. Zoogah urged the President to confirm Dr. Aligebam’s resignation through the Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and to appoint a new Managing Director to restore the organization’s integrity and foster unity among staff and stakeholders. He also accused Dr. Aligebam of mismanaging funds from the World Bank, asserting the need for new leadership to prevent further issues.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya