Publishers Go Wild! �Over Cash

The Government is to be hit by another massive demonstration by workers of book publishing companies in the country which remain unpaid after rendering services to the Ministry of Education for the past four years. The Ministry of Education has failed to pay the companies over $35 million for supplying basic schools with Atlas books four years ago. The Ministry of Education's huge indebtedness to these companies is having serious toll on the financial position of the companies, resulting in some hash and desperate decisions including the termination and suspension of appointments of workers from these companies. A suspension letter for one of the workers of Approaches' Ghana Limited indicated clearly that, the company's decision to lay the workers off was as a result of Getfund's inability to pay the huge amount it owes the company which has affected the company's financial stand and the possibility of closing down the company. According to the company, it is servicing both the principal and interest accrued on the loans borrowed for the printing and distribution of text books for schools. Over two hundred and thirty Three affected staff of Approacher's Ghana Limited including other publishing companies will be hitting the streets on August 28, 2014 and demonstrate against the Ministry of Education for failing to pay the publishers. The affected workers have also revealed that the situation has caused some inconveniences to them since their salaries are not usual leading to an imminent closure of the company. In a request for permission to the Police for carrying out a 3-day demonstration, the people noted that, their respective companies are facing financial challenges as a result of Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Trust Fund's refusal to settle its arreas with the companies. However, information gathered is that, the Police has agreed to allow the affected workers to stage the demonstration but for a day, August 28, 2014. The police command will facilitate the arrangements for the demonstration. The demonstrators will be converging at the Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and match through Farrer Avenue, TUC, Ministries to the Hearts Park where they would be met by officials from the Ministry of Education and the respective institutions to receive their petition.