The management of scrap dealership NN Est Metals Co Ltd has asked the government to reopen the company and allow it to continue operations, citing the livelihoods of more than 400 workers affected by the shutdown.

The company said it had done nothing wrong to warrant the closure, although it welcomed the government’s ongoing inquiry into activities within the scrap dealing sector.

In a statement issued today and signed by the spokeperson, Issifu Ali, the company noted that the suspension of its operations was taking a heavy toll on the business and its workers.

“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 closure, the statement said, is counterproductive, noting that while government’s stated priority is job creation, an established company providing sustainable employment has been shut down without any proven wrongdoing.

According to NN Est Metals Ltd, the temporary closure since January has left hundreds of factory workers idle, many of whom rely solely on the company for their daily income.

Per the statement, the impact extends beyond its direct workforce. More than 300 individuals who supply goods and services to the company have also been rendered idle, affecting their own employees and dependents.

In addition, about 50 small-scale vendors who provide daily consumables for factory operations have lost their source of income since the shutdown.

The statement said that since the closure, workers have continued to report to the premises regularly, hopeful that operations would resume.

“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 said.

The company said it operates strictly within Ghana’s regulatory framework and has never knowingly engaged in any illegality, particularly the purchase of stolen property, including assets belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana.

It emphasized that it has remained compliant throughout its more than 25 years of continuous operation.

“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,” management stated.

The company highlighted its history of support during national emergencies and assistance to public institutions, noting that its operations extend beyond commercial activity.

Management recalled that in 2012, the company deployed heavy machinery to support rescue efforts during the Melcom disaster, where several Ghanaians were trapped following a building collapse.

It also provided assistance to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital during a medical emergency involving children who had ingested a chemical substance.

Management said it does not understand why its operations were shut down based on allegations without established facts, stressing that the closure occurred before any findings had been made.

“We are confident that the investigation will confirm our consistent adherence to the law,” the statement said. “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 company raised concerns about accountability, questioning who would compensate it, its workers, and affected suppliers should the allegations prove unfounded.

Background

NN Est Metals Ltd was temporarily closed in January following an inspection exercise led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, with support from the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma Central, Hon. Frank Nkansah.

The company appealed to 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