Kasseh Market sweepers begin strike over three months’ unpaid salaries

In the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, about 27 workers at the Kasseh Market have initiated an indefinite strike due to unpaid salaries dating back three months. The market sweepers demanded the payment of their overdue wages before returning to their duties. Some of the workers, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid possible retaliation, complained that the delay in salary payments had become a persistent issue, with some payments remaining unpaid for extended periods.

They served the previous administration for two years without receiving any salaries, and despite promises during the 2024 election campaign that their monthly remuneration would be raised from GH¢250 to GH¢700, the new administration allegedly failed to honor this commitment. They had only worked for 10 more months without being paid.

When they approached authorities regarding the unpaid salaries, they were informed that there was no formal agreement to warrant payment for the period. The assembly's leadership then invited them for a meeting where their monthly remuneration was increased from GH¢250 to GH¢350, but they had not received any salary for the past three months.

The workers, some of whom are aging and have families to support, expressed their determination not to continue working without receiving their due compensation. They demanded the payment of either GH¢700, as promised, or at least GH¢350 for the work they do. Concerns were also raised about alleged intimidation faced by the workers when they spoke to the media about their working conditions.

A recent visit to the market on Wednesday highlighted the need for sanitation improvements, as heaps of refuse, including plastic waste and food leftovers, accumulated following market activities.