Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union (MDU) David Songotu as described as a bad deal, the decision by government to hand over the construction of a new free port at Atuabo.
Mr. Songotu further described the deal as "dangerous to the development”.
He said investors, Lornhro Ports Limited and Atuabo Freeport Ghana Limited are foreign companies and should not be allowed to undertake the US$600 million project in the country.
Speaking on Adom FMs ‘Dwaso Nsem' Wednesday, Mr Songotu said the contract will give Lonrho Ports exclusive rights to provide specialised services for the oil and gas industry in the Western Region, and this constitutes a breach of the law.
The Atuabo project is expected to deliver an airstrip and a helipad to facilitate aircraft and helicopter transportations, as well as other infrastructure like power generation, boreholes, accommodation, offices, a naval base, hydrocarbon fuel storage area and roads.
Clause three of the agreement between Lornhro and government of Ghana grants them the right among other rights to develop a Freeport, build berths at the Freeport, develop facilities and render services such as berthing, stevedoring services and provide services which they deem relevant for the operation of the Freeport.
But Mr Songotu said that, giving exclusive rights to the two companies to construct a port will undermine the role Ghana Ports Authority plays in the management of the ports.
He said a clause in the agreement which allows tax exemptions for up to 25 years and renewable for another 25 years is unfair to government institutions who can run the same service and generate revenue for the country.
According to him government will not be able to monitor operations at the port and regulate what goes in and out of the country.
He explained that, operators of the private organization will lose concentration in monitoring what goes on at the port because, they will be more interested in making profit at the expense of government.
Security agencies will “lose total control of the port and the private companies will manipulate operations at the port, he noted.
He said the MDU will file a joinder suit to the suit filed by some five Members of Parliament praying a court to prevent Lornhro from undertaking the project.
Latest Stories
-
Africa Development Council urges ECOWAS action amid Togo’s constitutional crisis
3 hours -
Situate power sector challenges within the context of the 4th Republic – Jantuah
4 hours -
Empowering Youth through IT Education: IT For Youth Ghana College leads the way
4 hours -
Trump criminal case: Full 12-person jury seated in Manhattan
4 hours -
Israel Gaza: US again warns against Rafah offensive
4 hours -
Man arrested in Poland over alleged Russia plot to kill Zelensky
4 hours -
Over 100 arrested as US college Gaza protest cleared
4 hours -
Justmoh Construction begins work on dualization of Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road
4 hours -
MGL visits Dumor family following passing of Mawuena Trebarh
5 hours -
In Pursuit of Peace and Unity: Interfaith Leaders Promote Dialogue – Chief Doli-Wura to Africa Union
5 hours -
TEWU raises concern over quality of food served in SHS
6 hours -
Ghanaian students gear up for Robotics World Championship
6 hours -
Political interference makes public sector managers appear incompetent – Dr Manteaw
6 hours -
Police arrest truck driver alleged to have caused train crash
6 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams FC depart to Cairo ahead of semis first leg against Zamalek
7 hours