Board Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Peter Mac Manu, is demanding an unqualified apology from the Workers Unions of the Authority for making what he described as “toxic” allegations of corruption and conflict of interest against him.
In a letter by his Solicitors, AB Lexmall and Associates, they found the allegations defamatory and only churned out there to malign Mac Manu’s reputation and cause disaffection for him as a politician and a businessman.
The letter indicated that the malevolent and unwarranted allegations the workers brought against Mac Manu have caused him a great deal of reputation damage and hence, must be retracted.
“Consequently, we hold our client’s firm instruction to demand an immediate retraction as well as an unqualified apology for the false allegation made against him. You, as well as the Union involved, are by this letter put on notice that should you fail to meet our client’s demands herein within ten (10) working days from the date of this letter, we have unequivocal instruction to take all necessary steps, including but not limited to commencing legal; action against you and the Union involved, to salvage our client’s reputation,” the letter stated.
He however described the Unions’ action as treacherous considering how he managed to use his good office to assist them in getting salary increases among other benefits.
Recall that the workers accused him of awarding contracts to his wife and children since assuming office. They had, consequently, given the President, Nana Akufo-Addo two weeks to remove Mr. Mac Manu from office claiming that he has completely taken over ticketing of staff travels through his wife, among other allegations.
The Unions also claimed that three of his children were the biggest suppliers to the Authority now whilst he himself had obtained a GHC4 million wiring contract for the newly constructed Electrical and Material Block of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
They also alleged that the board chairman’s wife has taken over the ticketing for staff travels and the Authority is being priced at cut-throat prices.
He is also alleged to have been mounting pressure on management of GPHA “to pay over GHC10 million to Britak Steel Company Ltd over a matter that is in court” including an attempt to sell a 24vdc caterpillar engine starter, which goes for GHC9, 000 from Mantrac to the Authority at the cost of GHC30, 000 to the Authority from his supply company
