Amidst concerns about the finite nature of the country's mineral resources, the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUCG) has emphasized the need for the government to implement strategies to maximize gains from the mining sector. The National Chairman of the GMWU of TUCG, Kwarko Mensah Gyakari, expressed these sentiments during the Union’s 13th delegate’s conference, themed “Building Trade Union Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World of Work: Strategies for 2024 and Beyond,” held at Obuasi.
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Mr. Gyakari lamented the relatively low returns derived from the mining sector despite a history of mining activities in Ghana spanning over 120 years. He questioned the tangible achievements and developments resulting from these activities, particularly highlighting the situation in Obuasi, where mining has prevailed for over a century. The Chairman raised concerns about the inadequate infrastructure and community development, pointing out that many of the prominent structures in Obuasi were established by miners who were employed and retired from their jobs.
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In addition to expressing these concerns, the National Chairman highlighted certain negative trends in the mining industry, particularly the introduction of what he termed as destructive non-standard forms of employment, such as fixed-term contracts, outsourced workers, and temporary and casual workers. He underscored the detrimental impact of these employment arrangements, noting that they not only fail to prepare the youth for future job positions but also create a power imbalance that renders workers vulnerable to exploitative interests of employers.
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Dr. Yaw Baah, the Secretary General of the TUCG, delivered a solidarity message, emphasizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and the lives of workers, particularly within the mining industry. He acknowledged the challenges faced by mineworkers, including job losses and changes from permanent contracts to fixed-term arrangements, affecting job security and income stability.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Baah commended the GMWU for its steadfast commitment in defending the rights and interests of its members, highlighting its substantial contribution to the TUC. He reiterated the union’s resilience and dedication to upholding the well-being of its members.
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