Panbros Salt workers protest against alleged takeover of mining area by Chinese interests

Some workers at the Panbros Salt Factory are protesting against what they believe is an attempt by some traditional authorities to allocate portions of the mining concession to Chinese investors.

Clad in red and black attire, the workers thronged the factory area located at Weija to strongly oppose the move, citing concerns about potential job losses in an already struggling economy.

Reports suggest that over 1,000 workers at the factory could lose their jobs if the salt mining area is allocated to Chinese business interests.

The workers are, therefore, calling on the president to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the situation.

"We have noticed that the Chinese people are encroaching on our land and destroying it. We cannot agree to this as we have nowhere else to go. Panbros produces salt just like Sege, so we are contributing to the economy," one worker stated during a protest at the factory.

Another said, “We even learnt that the Jubilee House spends a lot on salt. So, if our jobs are destroyed how can we support the country as local producers? President Akufo Addo must act on this. They have even employed the services of land guard and it is scary."

Another worker expressed deep frustration and urged the traditional authorities to prioritize the interests of locals over foreigners.

"We cannot stand by as ordinary Ghanaians suffer. It is unjust to give our land to the Chinese. I appeal to the traditional authorities to ensure justice is served in this matter. They have taken over our land without our consent," the worker said.

The situation at the Panbros Salt Factory is said to have escalated to the point where landguards have allegedly been deployed to prevent opposition to the Chinese takeover.

Some workers who spoke with the media described the presence of the land guards as "scary" and are calling for swift intervention to address the tensions at the factory.

MA/AE

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