BCM says it has directed lawyers to take action over the allegations
The management of BCM Ghana Limited, a Ghanaian mining company, has responded to recent allegations made by a group of former employees.
In a press release addressed to the media, the management of BCM, while denying the claims of unfair treatment and victimization by the former employees, described the allegations as "unfounded and purposefully meant to tarnish the image of its leadership and BCM in the marketplace."
The response by the company comes on the back of a recent press conference organized by some eight former employees, where they accused the management of illicit disengagement, abuse, and unlawful termination of appointments.
Responding to some specific allegations made during the press conference, the company emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all employee exits are made in accordance with contract terms and labour laws.
"BCM is a reputable employer, having been in the local market for over 30 years, and all employee departures are made in strict accordance with their employment contracts and local labour laws. In a competitive corporate environment, the company needs to react to changes in the market, and downsizing is sometimes a painful but necessary action.
"With regard to allegations of sexual harassment, it is important to note that the company has never received any complaint from the person reportedly concerned while she was employed by the Company. Now that this has come to our attention, BCM Ghana Limited takes such issues very seriously and will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted immediately," the company said.
The company, among other things, refuted claims made by its former Human Resource Manager, Simon Tobiri, and a former Administration Manager, Jonathan Adongo.
"In addition, the biased rehashing of various issues with Simon Terbobri, including the fact of him being intoxicated at work, is being wrongfully presented at a moment when the Company is refocusing its efforts on business growth. This sufficiently demonstrates the intent of the authors of these allegations to harm BCM Ghana Limited, a company renowned for its mining solutions/expertise and which has employed and trained thousands of Ghanaians to international standards of mining operations. It is also worth pointing out that the lawyers for Simon Terbobri have been in constant contact with BCM regarding a settlement, the latest being a letter received on the 20th June 2024. Therefore, making these claims while being in the middle of a settlement seems very unusual.
"With regards to Jonathan Adongo, he refused to hand over a company laptop because he was concealing information. When the laptop was being recovered, Adongo aggressively assaulted Mr. List. The case is currently in court," the statement noted.
In view of what the company said is a deliberate attempt by the former employees to damage the reputation of the mining firm, the management of BCM said it has since instructed its lawyers to take appropriate legal action.
"In view of the above and the deliberate intent to damage the image and reputation of BCM Ghana Limited and of its management, the Company has instructed its lawyers to take appropriate legal actions against the authors and instigators of these allegations," the company stated.
The company emphasized its commitment to employees as well as empowering communities for economic growth while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.
Read the full statement below:
