KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry
Workers of Business Resource Centers (BRC) across Ghana have launched a furious attack on the Minister for Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, accusing him of unfairly driving them out of their jobs due to their association with the former minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten. The workers are fiercely contesting the termination of their franchise agreements by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), calling it a baseless and unjust attack.
The outraged workers, who operate under the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), received termination notices on June 18, 2024. They argue that this action is in direct violation of Section 27 of their Franchise Agreement, which mandates a specific dispute settlement procedure before any termination can occur. The workers are adamant that they will not go quietly and have requested the GEA to halt any handover procedures until their petition is addressed by the sector minister.
In a strongly worded statement, the BRC workers branded the termination as “wrongful, unjust, and arbitrary.” They stressed that the Business Resource Centers were set up as part of an ambitious Industrial Transformation Agenda spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP). These centers serve as crucial hubs for business development services, financial facilitation, and information for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The workers highlighted that since the launch of operations on August 3, 2020, they have adhered to the government’s policy of creating a supportive environment for the private sector to thrive. They followed a structured, phased approach to transition from being financially and technically supported by REP to a self-sustaining franchising model, officially launched on June 27, 2022.
The BRC workers assert that they have meticulously fulfilled their contractual obligations, but claim that the GEA has failed to uphold its end of the agreement. “Despite our compliance and dedication, we were blindsided by termination notices citing no reasons whatsoever,” they lamented, accusing the GEA of bypassing the laid-out dispute resolution procedures.
The workers outlined three main grievances:
1. Lack of Prior Notice and Explanation: They were given no warning or explanation for the termination, denying them the opportunity to address any alleged issues.
2. Compliance with Agreement Terms: They have consistently met the franchise requirements, despite the GEA’s failures to respond to or acknowledge their compliance efforts.
3. Financial and Reputational Damage: The abrupt termination has inflicted severe financial and reputational harm, threatening the sustainability of their businesses and the livelihoods of many.
The BRC workers emphasized their investments in operationalizing the franchise, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting over 5,000 SMEs. They warned that the termination could have significant legal ramifications, given their framework agreements with reputable organizations like GIZ and Tullow.
In their plea, the BRC workers called for the immediate withdrawal of the termination letters and a thorough investigation into the matter. They urged the authorities to ensure the GEA meets its obligations under the franchise agreement and to uphold justice and fair business practices in Ghana.
The workers remain hopeful that their fight for fair treatment will yield a favorable resolution, allowing them to continue their crucial role in driving economic growth across the country.
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