Mineworkers’ unions in Ghana and Egypt are spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring Africa fully benefits from its vast mineral resources. The unions have taken significant steps towards establishing the African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth, a pan-African body headquartered in Cairo.
This Federation will represent major mining trade unions from across the continent, including those from Ghana, Mali, Egypt, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Somalia.
A four-member delegation from Egypt’s General Trade Union of Mines, Quarries, Salinas, and Energy Workers (GTUMQSEW) recently visited the leadership of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) in Accra. The one-week visit, from September 25 to 30, 2024, aimed to unite mining unions across Africa and strengthen their collective bargaining power to ensure Africa’s mineral wealth benefits its people, instead of disproportionately benefiting foreign entities.
Mr. Abdul-Moomin Gbana, General Secretary of GMWU, emphasized the Federation’s ambitious goal of transforming the continent’s mining sector. “This collaboration is long overdue. The global north has exploited our resources for far too long, leaving us with mere crumbs. African trade unions must unite to change this narrative,” he said. Mr. Gbana further explained that the Federation would advocate for policies that ensure Africa’s resources are processed and consumed locally. He expressed confidence that the Federation would play a crucial role in future negotiations between African governments, mining companies, and foreign investors, promoting economic growth across the continent.
Mr. Nageh Gomaa Hassan Eissa, General Secretary of GTUMQSEW, speaking through an interpreter, echoed the need to prevent the export of raw minerals, emphasizing the importance of developing local industries. “Africa must produce and manufacture its resources within its own borders. That is our major goal, and with cooperation, we will achieve it,” he said.
The Federation also aims to establish training programmes to build the capacity of workers in the mining sector, focusing on better understanding and exploiting Africa’s resources for its people’s benefit. The Egyptian delegation and GMWU leadership also met with Mr. Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress Ghana. Mr. Ansah welcomed the Federation’s efforts, noting its alignment with the broader struggle of African workers for fair wages and improved working conditions, particularly in the extractive industries.
