An intense confrontation unfolded earlier today at the Volta Regional Secretariat of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), as a team sent by the National Executives Committee (NEC) sought to force out the old leadership of Ho Branch 2.
The action follows two years of defiance by the former executives, who, despite the election of new officials, refused to vacate office.
The National Executive’s decision to intervene resulted in a clash when Felix Kpor, the former 2nd Trustee, attempted to block the team’s access to the office.
The confrontation escalated until police officers were called to intervene and restore order.
The dispute traces back to the election held in April 2022, where the former executives, led by Chairman Michael Sonkro, were accused of overstaying their tenure.
The election saw Sonkro defeated, while other officials, including Vice Chairman Pascal Anledo, abstained from the vote. The election results were rejected by the outgoing officers, leading to a prolonged standoff.
Despite multiple court actions and directives from the NEC, the former officials continued to resist handing over power to the newly elected team, which sparked the recent clash.
In December 2023, the NEC formally dismissed the former executives for failing to comply with the union’s constitution.
Citing Article 3, sub-clause (b) of the union’s rules, which mandates adherence to national policies and directives, the NEC moved to evict the old officials.
The situation came to a head this week when the NEC team, with police support, attempted to finalize the transition and induct the new leadership.
Both parties have now convened a meeting with the Volta Regional Police Command to find a resolution to the ongoing impasse.