File photo of mine workers
Following the government’s announcement that it has rejected an application by Gold Fields Limited to renew the Damang Mining Lease, held by its subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, for another 30 years, the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union has expressed serious concerns over the development.
According to the General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, many members stand to lose their incomes and livelihoods if the government does not reconsider its decision.
He warned that the union would have no choice but to march in protest to the government to demand compensation for their lost earnings.
“As it stands now, it is obvious that if the government doesn’t change its position, we will immediately lose our incomes and livelihoods. What that also means is that we may have to march to the government and demand our salaries and livelihoods from them,” Gbana said.
“Before taking a major decision of this nature, one must be considerate and mindful of its implications. If the government truly appreciates that over a thousand workers are likely to be affected, then it must be more careful in how it exercises its discretion on whether or not to extend the lease,” he added.
The decision not to renew the mining lease comes as the current 30-year lease, originally granted on April 18, 1995, is set to expire on April 18, 2025.
The government has stated that this move aligns with its broader mission to reset the nation’s economic landscape.
SA/MA
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