Reports from Nyankpala indicate there was a protest staged at the premises of Avnash Rice Factory by farmers and workers following months of unpaid wages.

Workers at the factory are thought to have staged the protest in demand of improved condition of service whiles farmers joined to protest indebtedness after Management bought their rice consignments and did not pay for months despite several pleas.

Labourers whose duty is to offload and load trucks of rice consignement said they were being paid 80 pesewas for every bag carried from or into trucks, a figure way below the market price of 2 Cedis per bag.

A farmer who sold tonnes of rice paddy to the company but has not been paid said due to the company’s refusal to honour their side of the agreement with him, he and his family were undergoing hardship. He said he has resorted to borrowing from family and friends to take care of his family.

“Today if they (Avnash)don’t pay us, we will not go home, we just want our money and not any explanation.” Another farmer said during the protest.

Avnash Rice Processing Company, which is one of the largest rice processor is based in Tamale. The company has operated for years but recently witnessed skyrocketing successes especially as the Government partnered with it for Flagship, “One District, One factory” initiative.

Despite the commercial success, the company according to staff has failed to enhance the welfare of its workers, making them work under inhumane condition for very little wages.

The workers have followed their yesterday’s protest with an indefinite strike. They say, they will not return to work until their demand for better working conditions and improved wages are met.

A source within the company sided with the workers, saying their strike was in the right direction as their salaries for several months have not been paid and they are unable to complain for fear of victimization.

A visit to the factory this afternoon showed trucks of rice paddy left unloaded because of the industrial action by the staff.