Workers of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) Limited have gone over two years without pay, demanding urgent government intervention. Salaries have remained unpaid for a staggering 27 months. This situation has driven many employees and their families into severe financial hardship.
PBC workers expressed deep frustration over repeated promises of reform that have not materialised. The state-linked cocoa purchasing firm is struggling with severe liquidity challenges. Workers also highlight a significant lack of working capital. This greatly weakens PBC's ability to compete in Ghana's vital cocoa purchasing sector.
This crisis at PBC aligns with broader concerns about state-owned enterprises in Ghana. Many such entities face operational inefficiencies and financial instability. Ghana's cocoa sector remains a crucial economic pillar, contributing significantly to export earnings. The struggles of a key player like PBC reflect underlying systemic issues impacting public-sector productivity and employee welfare. Data shows public sector wage bills often strain national budgets, and payment arrears indicate deeper fiscal management problems.
Union representatives stated that despite several assurances from government officials, little progress has occurred. President John Dramani Mahama promised to strengthen PBC during his 2024 election campaign. He assured cocoa farmers and communities in areas like Enchi and Kumasi that PBC would return to profitability. These commitments have not yet translated into real improvements for the company or its employees.
The immediate implication is continued financial distress for PBC workers and their families. This could lead to further industrial unrest and potential disruptions in the cocoa value chain. Decision-makers must now consider concrete actions to stabilise PBC, protect jobs, and restore its role in the cocoa industry. The future of the Buipe Shea Processing Factory, a PBC subsidiary, also remains a point of contention. Workers propose returning it to PBC's full control or government assumption of its financial liabilities. This would ease pressure on the parent company. Without prompt action, Ghana's cocoa sector could face further instability, impacting national economic performance.
Beyond salary arrears, workers have not seen salary adjustments for over a decade. Drivers currently earn about GHS 1,000 monthly. Clerical staff receive between GHS 1,200 and GHS 1,500. Senior employees reportedly take home between GHS 2,050 and GHS 3,500. Casual workers have gone over three years without allowances, with some earning as little as GHS 350 monthly. This low pay and lack of adjustments further exacerbate the financial strain on employees. The ongoing crisis affects healthcare access and education support for children. The workers are urging the government to move beyond promises and take concrete steps. They want to stabilise PBC and protect existing jobs. They also seek to restore the institution's critical role in Ghana's cocoa industry. The government's response will be closely watched by markets and the labour force.