Accra, Feb. 6, GNA – NN Est Metals Co. Ltd has appealed to Government to allow the company to resume operations while investigations into the scrap dealing sector continue.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr Issifu Ali, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the company said the shutdown was affecting the livelihoods of more than 400 workers, suppliers and small‑scale vendors who relied on its daily operations.
“We have no problem with the Government’s investigation. All we are asking is for work to resume because we have no intention of interfering with the inquiry in any way,” the statement said.
The company described the closure as counterproductive, noting that while Government prioritised job creation, an established company providing sustainable employment had been shut down without proven wrongdoing.
It said the temporary closure since January had left hundreds of factory workers idle, many of whom relied solely on the company for their daily income.
The impact, the statement said, went beyond its direct employees to more than 300 individuals who provided goods and services, and about 50 small-scale vendors who supplied daily consumables for factory operations.
“This situation is taking a serious toll on our workers and their families. Employees are currently sitting at home, not because of any wrongdoing, but because operations have been halted,” it said.
The company said it operated strictly within Ghana’s regulatory framework and had never knowingly engaged in illegal activity, including the alleged purchase of stolen property such as assets belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
It noted that it had remained compliant throughout more than 25 years of operation and contributed to national development.
“NN Est Metals Ltd has been operational for more than two and a half decades. Throughout this period, we have complied with all regulatory requirements and contributed significantly to national development,” the statement said.
The company highlighted its support during national emergencies, citing the deployment of heavy machinery during rescue efforts in the 2012 Melcom disaster and assistance to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital during a medical emergency.
It expressed concern that operations had been halted based on allegations without established facts, stating that the closure occurred before any investigative findings had been made.
“We are confident that the investigation will confirm our consistent adherence to the law. We are not opposed to the investigation. We simply want the facility reopened so that we can continue our business while investigations are ongoing,” the statement said.
The company questioned who would compensate the firm; its workers and suppliers should the allegations be found to be unfounded.
NN Est Metals was temporarily closed in January following an inspection exercise led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, with support from the Mayor of Accra, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma Central, Mr Frank Nkansah.
The company appealed to the relevant authorities to consider the broader human and economic impact of the prolonged closure, warning that continued suspension could permanently damage livelihoods across its operational chain.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey