A raging fire gutted part of the Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) factory in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region last night.
The blaze, which broke out around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 08, took personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) several hours to bring under control, with the flames finally subdued around midnight. Smoke, however, continues to billow from the site.
Firefighting efforts were hindered by logistical challenges, as the fire tender at Akosombo was grounded, forcing responders to rely on tenders from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Kpong Fire Station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire originated in the Spinning Department. While the exact cause is yet to be confirmed, factory sources suspect it may be linked to oxy-acetylene welding work being carried out to dismantle machinery allegedly intended for scrap sale.
The incident has intensified concerns among workers about the ongoing dismantling and sale of valuable factory equipment.
Employees claim that over 620 pure copper rollers, each weighing between 65kg and 79kg, along with several motors and cylinders used in the Real Wax section, were sold as scrap in 2024.
Despite a government injection of GH¢17 million in 2018 to revitalize the company, ATL continues to grapple with financial challenges, including unpaid salaries and bonuses. The company currently owes workers six months’ salary.
Last year, workers protested over unpaid bonus cash allowances spanning 2021 to 2023 and management’s failure to remit Tier 2 pension contributions deducted from salaries since 2021. They staged a peaceful sit-down strike on Thursday, February 15, 2024, demanding clarity and resolution from management.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has assured constituents that the government plans to revive Akosombo and Juapon Textiles to produce high-quality African prints for both local and international markets while creating job opportunities.
