Togolese opposition leader broke his steel factory in Tema closed down

Tema (Greater Accra) 3 Nov. '99

Tropical Metallic Construction Company Limited (TMCCL), a steel design, fabrication and construction company at Tema owned by Mr Gilchrist Olympio, the Togolese opposition leader, closed down on Monday due to financial difficulties.

Management has locked out the 120 workers and seven policemen are guarding the company's premises with sniffing dogs.

Mr James Yaw Adraki, Vice Chairman of the company's local union, told newsmen outside the factory premises that Mr Olympio invited the union

executives to Accra on Thursday, October 28, to brief them about his intentions to close down the factory.

According to Mr Adraki, Mr Olympio was purported to have told the executives that he (Olympio) expected management to work and pay workers with the resources provided, but they could not do so.

The Vice-Chairman said Mr Olympio indicated that he could no longer pay the workers because he was in financial crisis.

Meanwhile, the workers are demanding payment of their salaries and other allowances, which are in three months arrears.

He said the workers would know their next line of action after the union executives and officials of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) had met Mr Olympio.

The workers, wearing red bands, were sitting under trees waiting for their leaders.

Neither Mr. Olympia nor any member of the management staff was available for comments.

GRi../