Fire broke out at the warehouse of Akosombo Textiles Ltd last Wednesday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The fire, which was reported at 9:16 pm, was brought under control by firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), but not before the warehouse and its contents were severely damaged.
The Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, Divisional Officer Grade III, Ignatius Kwamena Baidoo, who confirmed the incident to the Daily Graphic yesterday, said the fire was a full blaze, with flames engulfing the warehouse.
He said the firefighters arrived at the scene at 9:27 pm and worked tirelessly to contain the fire.
DO III Baidoo said the warehouse, which stored cotton wool, presented a significant challenge to firefighters due to the highly flammable nature of the material.
He, however, indicated that despite the difficulties, the firefighters, with the help of two fire appliances from Akuse and Somanya Fire Stations, were able to bring the fire under control at 12:05 am.
Worsening situation, potential
The fire incident came at a time when workers of ATL had issued a plea to the government to intervene and bring in a new investor to manage the company.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the local Union Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU), Stephen Nkansah and his secretary, Joseph Otu Botwe, cited ineffective management strategies which they said had led to a significant decline in production and employment.
Mr Nkansah said the factory has been facing significant challenges, including heavy indebtedness and a decline in production.
The Local Union Chairman said despite the many challenges, several investors from countries such as China, Hong Kong and the UK have expressed interest in taking over the factory.
He, however, indicated that progress on that process has been slow, and the workers were growing increasingly frustrated.
Mr Nkansah said due to the current operations of the factory, staff have had to endure delayed salaries for the past five months, while other welfare concerns, including contributions to SSNIT, tier one pension obligations, leave allowances, long-service awards and annual bonuses were in arrears.
“It has been a very difficult time for us and our families.
We believe that a new investor can provide the necessary capital, management expertise, and fresh ideas to revive the factory and stimulate economic growth in the region," Mr Nkansah said.
He therefore appealed to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to intervene and revive the ATL, stressing the potential benefits of government’s intervention, including job creation and economic growth.
Capacity
The Local Union Secretary said that at its peak, ATL employed over 3,000 workers and produced 36,000 meters of cloth per day.
However, production, he said, had since plummeted, with the factory currently employing less than 450 workers.
Mr Botwe said ATL had the potential to significantly reduce unemployment within the Asuogyaman, Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo and North Tongu districts.
He said supporting the company to operate at full capacity would increase the workforce, and provide direct jobs and revive the local economy.
Writer's email benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
