Ghana mineworkers’ union condemns shootings of miners in South Africa

The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GMWU) says it is deeply saddened by the police shootings that killed 34 striking miners and wounded 78 at the Marikana Platinum Mine in South Africa.

The GMWU condemned the attack and joined numerous voices across the world calling for justice to prevail over the incidence.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday and signed by the Union’s General Secretary, Mr Prince William Ankrah said: “It is regrettable to witness such atrocities when ordinary working class citizens deem it right to press home their demand for pay rise.

“GMWU perceives this incomprehensible brutal act as an attempt by Capital to quell and neutralize the potency of trade union activities. That we also condemn in no uncertain terms.”

The GMWU expressed its heartfelt sympathies towards the victims and the families of the unfortunate tragedy, saying “We also share in the agony of our comrades in National Union of Mineworkers, (NUM) South Africa.”

“We further pledge our support to the NUM in the pursuit of improved remuneration and other benefits for the Marikana Platinum miners.”

The GMWU prayed that there would be no cause for any such instance of violence of that nature to occur ever again and hoped peaceful days ahead for those affected by this terrible incidence.