Members of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union of Trades Union Congress have gathered at the Forecourt of the TUC hall in Accra over delayed action by the government of Ghana to terminate mining leases on the Bogoso – Prestea Mine.
General Secretary of GMWU, Abdul-Moumin Gbana in an engagement with happyghana.com, explained that actions taken by the Union commenced early this year in April where a petition was presented to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to retract the mining lease from present holders – Future Global Resources who have delayed in the payment of workers at the Prestea Bogoso mine. “Indeed on April 25, 2024, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources addressed the Union and its members during which he assured us of government’s commitment to protect the interest of workers and the inhabitants of the Bogoso Prestea communities.” he said.
He indicated that the mines, which was handed over to FGR from Golden Star Resources, have become undeniably unbearable for many workers who have not recieved salaries since work begun in 2020. “Mining demands huge amounts of investments so if you cannot invest hand the mining lease to someone who is willing and has the resources to handle it; as I speak there are private investors who are willing to make those investments into the mining job.”
A 120 day ultimatum which was issued in April in a letter by the Minister has elapsed, yet no actions have been taken by the FGR to hand over mining leases or ensure the welfare of the workers by paying all outstanding salaries.
The letter states that “should the company fail to meet any of the above conditions, the conditional approval given shall be deemed revoked and the mining leases terminated without recourse to the company.”
The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union with over 400 of its members are appealing to the government particularly, minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinapor for the immediate enforcement of the Minister’s conditional approval as stated in his letter on April 17th 2024. This action will terminate the possession of the mining lease by Future Global Resources and will create an opening for further deliberations