Mine Workers Union Appeals to President Over 120-Day Notice to Future Global Resources to Revive Mining Sector



On Monday, September 16, 2024, the Ghana Mineworkers Union, along with miners from the Bogoso-Prestea area employed by two major mining companies, staged a protest at the entrance of the main Trades Union Congress (TUC) building. Their protest was in response to grievances dating back to April 25th and 26th of this year, when they demonstrated against their employers for failing to pay their monthly wages, citing the companies' poor financial standing as the reason.


The earlier protests were held at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Parliament House to draw the government's attention to issues at the Future Global Resources (FGR) Bogoso-Prestea Mine. The demonstrators demanded the cancellation of the mining leases and called for the sale of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.


Speaking during the recent protest, the General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers Union, GMWU  of TUC, Mr. Abdul Moomin Gbana recounted that during the April protests, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, assured the workers that the government was committed to safeguarding their welfare as well as the well-being of local residents.


Later that day, the Minister issued a press statement, titled “Government Sets Firm Deadline for FGR to Revitalize Mines, Assuring Workers of Its Commitment to Their Welfare and the Mine's Revival.” In the statement, several key conditions were laid out:

1. In a letter dated April 17, 2024, and signed by the Minister, FGR was given 120 days to raise capital, restore operations, and ensure the mine operates at full capacity.

2. The company was instructed to begin paying all outstanding salaries within two weeks and complete all payments by May 30, 2024.

3. FGR was required to present evidence to both the Minister and the Minerals Commission that they had the financial means to pay creditors and fully operate the mine within the 120-day period.

4. The letter explicitly stated that failure to meet any of these conditions would result in the revocation of the conditional approval, and the mining leases would be terminated without further notice.


Mr. Moomin revealed that, to date, FGR has not met any of these conditions. The company has neither paid its workers nor secured capital to reinvest in the mine, preventing it from resuming full operations as mandated by the government.


As of his media address, Mr. Moomin noted that workers have gone over nine months without pay, leaving many in severe financial distress. He urged the President to revoke FGR's lease and seek a new investor to take over the mine and restore proper operations.

Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DDLF PARTNER MS GALAXY TO EMPOWER KAYAYEI WITH TRANSFORMATIVE SKILLS

Image
The David Douglas Leadership Forum in collaboration with the winner of Ms Galaxy International USA 2024, Keerah Yeowang  held a transformative training program for  some head porters commonly known as ‘Kayayei’ at Madina Kkayayei Empowerment Training Center.   The day long workshop focused on specialized skilled areas such as; Pageantry, Modeling, Make up, Self Esteem and Self Confidence.   Ms Keerah Yeowang highlighted that as a  queen, it was her project to train young women on how to get back their self esteem and to build self confidence. She expressed how overwhelming it was to be at the Kayayei Empowerment Training Center and be part of the pioneers to contribute to the development of Kayayei.   " I chose Kayayei empowerment center because it is a perfect way for me to give back to the women who are  just like me, she said." Mr Isaac Adu Bamfo, the  Greater Accra Regional Youth Organizer for the David Douglas Leadership Forum  (DDLF) sa...
Read more

Nkonya Secondary School Launches 60th Anniversary, Urges Government to Invest in School Facilities

Image
Nkonya Secondary School (Nkosec) has officially launched its 60th anniversary celebration with a strong call to the government to invest in the improvement of the school’s facilities. The anniversary, themed "Fulfilling the Aspirations of the Founding Fathers," pays tribute to the founders who have played a vital role in the school's development through their dedication and provision of resources. Professor Francis Ato, a lecturer at the University of Ghana and a former teacher at Nkonya Secondary, was one of the key speakers at the event. He announced that the anniversary celebration would culminate in a grand event on November 17, 2024. The celebrations will include various activities and engagements that aim to unite the school community and stakeholders in recognizing Nkosec’s achievements and future prospects. Prof. Ato called on all stakeholders, including the media, old students, and well-wishers both within Ghana and abroad, to join in supporting the school during...
Read more

Rotaract Club of Accra-Labone and partners mark Global Handwashing Day at Flagstaff House Basic School

Image
The Rotaract Club of Accra-Labone marked Global Handwashing Day by visiting Flagstaff House Basic School and donating vital hygiene supplies to highlight the importance of handwashing and sanitation The club donated items such as handwashing soap, tissues, and 4 CD Wash Stations to enhance the school's hygiene practices and promote regular handwashing, a simple but crucial step in preventing illness. Rotaractor Ethel Odoi, a general nurse, taught the process of washing the hands. She gave the importance of washing the hands such as prevention of disease and being healthy.  "Handwashing is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing illnesses and saving lives," said President Jonas Dela Amadzor of the Rotaract Club of Accra-Labone. He said rotary has 7 areas of focus when it comes to executing projects.  He hopes that this practice helps reduce disease infection. Madam Godrica Rosemary Naa Dei Kotei, President of the Rotaract Club of Accra-Osu Oxford Street, stressed the role...
Read more