Mine workers want government to rethink future of extractive sector

The Ghana Mine-Workers union has called on government to re-think the future of the extractive sector especially Ashanti Goldfields.

The leadership of the Union told the First Editors forum that development at the mines leaves much to be desired.

The General Secretary, Prince William Ankrah, said the union is against contract mining which Goldfields management is pursuing leading to attempt to lay-off workers.

The National Chairman of the Ghana Mine workers Union, Kwarko Mensah, said the Union would not compromise its stand because government in its Development Agreement with Goldfields granted her a lot of concession including $33 million corporate tax relief yet management wants to renege on its promise to create ten percent jobs.

The Deputy General Secretary, Abdul Momen Gbana said negotiation on the issue of redundancy has broken down and all efforts would be made to restrain Goldfields from laying-off workers.

TUC Deputy Secretary General, Joshua Ansah, said the mother union would ensure the protection of Goldfields workers.