The Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) is calling on the government to present a clear and transparent plan for absorbing workers affected by the shutdown of operations at the Damang Mine, following the expiration and non-renewal of Gold Fields Ghana’s mining lease.
Gold Fields announced its decision to wind down operations at the Damang Mine after the government declined to extend the company’s lease. While the government has assured that all affected employees will be absorbed by the State and any new investor, the union is demanding a clear roadmap to take over the mine.
The General Secretary of the Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, has stressed the importance of a well-defined implementation strategy to ensure that the transition does not leave workers stranded.
“We are not really too certain what government’s strategy is, as to whether government is going to manage the mine all by itself or government is going to constitute a consortium of Ghanaian entrepreneurs to run the mine. As a matter of fact, government has not given us any further particulars in that regard. So we are unable to say for a fact what kind of a module government intends to run in the Damang mine.”
The Union further emphasized that workers welfare must remain at the heart of all decisions.
“Our concern as a trade union is to ensure that workers interest, workers welfare, workers wellbeing is protected at every stage of the way. So whiles government is happy to make all the pronouncement, we will hold government’s feet to the fire by ensuring that we demand full compliance and for that matter full enforcement of their own promises and commitment that they have made to the people of Ghana and more specifically to the workers of Damang.”
The Damang Mine, located in the Western region, has been a significant source of employment and economic activity for the local communities. Its closure has triggered concerns about job losses and the potential ripple effects on the local economy.
The union, is now urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, along with other relevant agencies, to engage openly with workers and lay out a clear framework for the absorption process.
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