Ghana Mine Workers Union Criticizes Foreign Employers for Abusing Workers’ Rights
The Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) has voiced strong concerns over the persistent abuse of workers’ rights in the mining sector, particularly by foreign-owned companies.
The union warns that the once-thriving workforce in the sector is rapidly dwindling due to deteriorating working conditions, despite efforts to protect workers’ rights.
Speaking at the GMWU’s First Half Year Meeting in Accra, General Secretary Abdul-Moomin Gbana, called for a reassessment of Ghana’s labour laws to ensure the sustainability and security of the sector.
He highlighted the increasing incidents of intimidation and victimization faced by Ghanaian workers, especially by foreign multinational corporations, for exercising their right to join trade unions.
Gbana also expressed concern over the role of some Ghanaians, including high-ranking government officials, in enabling these abuses. He accused them of collaborating with foreign companies to undermine workers’ rights for personal gain.
“Ghanaian workers are constantly subjected to acts of intimidation and victimization by employers particularly foreign multinational companies for voluntarily exercising their inalienable rights to form and join trade unions”.
The union specifically referenced the case of three local union leaders from Sunon Asogli Power, who were dismissed after joining a trade union.
According to Mr Gbana, these workers have yet to receive any compensation, and their case has been delayed by protracted legal battles.
“Till date, they stand outcast and vilified amidst all our laws as a sovereign state in 21st century Ghana. Sadly, two years on, this matter continues to be subjected to legal gymnastics and needless maneuverings in court by Sunon Asogli Power and their lawyers and further aided by the bureaucracies of the court system”, he noted.
The GMWU has, however, urged President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Justice to intervene in the matter, ensuring that the dismissed workers are reinstated and their rights fully protected.
