The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMU) has called on the government, regulatory authorities, and mining companies to act urgently to protect workers, enforce corporate accountability, and support local participation, as the nation’s gold industry enjoys unprecedented growth.
Speaking at the Union’s second-half National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Accra, General Secretary Abdul-Moomin Gbana said soaring global gold prices, from over $1,800 per ounce during the pandemic to nearly $4,000 this year, have driven strong investment in the sector, with Ghana’s gold production expected to rise from 4.8 million ounces to 5.1 million ounces.
“Gold has proven resilient, even during global crises, and Ghana is well positioned to benefit,” Gbana said. “Yet, the prosperity of the industry must reflect in the welfare of our workers.”
Heath Goldfields’ Bogoso-Prestea Mine Restarted
Gbana singled out Heath Goldfields Ltd for settling a substantial portion of legacy wages owed to workers at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine and preparing the mine for production. He urged government regulators, including the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency, to expedite all necessary permits to facilitate full-scale operations. Local communities were also called upon to support the mine’s revival efforts.
Casualization Threatens Worker Welfare
Despite the boom, Gbana warned of a growing crisis in employment practices. Over 90% of mining workers are now engaged in non-standard employment, including temporary contracts and outsourced labor, leaving only a fraction in permanent roles. The trend has resulted in lower job security, delayed wages, shrinking collective bargaining coverage, and weak social protections.
“The outsourcing of core mining operations under local content policies must stop,” Gbana said. “Workers’ rights and safety cannot be sacrificed for profit.” He urged multinational companies and government to ensure local contractors are treated fairly and supported with favorable policies, warning that exploitative contracts could destabilize the industry.
Boosting Ghanaian Participation
Gbana also called for increased Ghanaian participation in mining, noting that foreign companies dominate ownership, controlling over 99% of mining shares while the government holds just 10%. He advocated a gradual approach to enhancing local stakes, highlighting the Minerals Income Investment Fund Small Scale Mining Incubation Programme, launched in 2021 with GH₵354 million to help local miners scale operations.
“Local operators must also adhere to corporate governance standards, respect workers’ welfare, and embrace transparency, just like their foreign counterparts,” Gbana said, warning that failure to do so could replicate financial-sector failures that left depositors destitute.
Locked Savings, Unfulfilled Promises
The GMU also criticized the Bank of Ghana for failing to return life savings of over 19,000 miners trapped in distressed financial institutions during the 2018-2019 banking clean-up. Gbana called for immediate full reimbursement, describing the regulator’s inaction as a breach of its fiduciary duty.
Unity as Strength
Gbana praised Union members for their resilience and loyalty, emphasizing that unity remains the GMU’s greatest asset.
He urged members to continue defending worker rights and sustainable mining practices.
