Members of GMWU at the press briefing
Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) has declared its intention to press home their demand for the termination of mining lease of Future Global Resources in order to give way to potential investors to run the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.
According to the group, it has been left with no option than to petition President Nana Akufo-Addo, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, over the matter.
“Consequently, beginning Monday 16th September 2024 at 9am, the Union and all its members across the mining industry of Ghana shall converge in front of the Jubilee House to present a petition to the President
On Tuesday 17th September 2024 at 10am, we shall converge at the precincts of Parliament to present our petition to the Speaker of Parliament.
From Parliament, we shall go back to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to continue picketing up to the end of the day,” GMWU General Secretary, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, said at the press briefing in Accra yesterday.
He said the National Executive Council at its first-half meeting held at the Ghana Shippers House on August 15, 2024, resolved to embark on a series of protest marches if the Minister refuses to terminate the mining leases at the end of the 120 days notice which expired on August 17, 2024.
“From Wednesday 18th September to Friday 20th September 2024 at 9am daily, we shall continue picketing at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources until the mining lease is terminated and the Bogoso-Prestea Mine put on sale to allow other prospective investors to take over the mine and run it for the greater good of all stakeholders,” he said.
Background
Members of the GMWU, embarked on demonstrations on April 25 – 26, 2024 to draw the attention of the government to happenings at Future Global Resources Bogoso-Prestea Mine and to demand the termination/cancellation of mining leases in order to give way to potential investors to run the mine.
Following the protest, the sector minister assured the union of the government’s commitment to protect the interest of workers, and directed the company to raise the capital, revamp the Mine and ensure that it operates to full capacity within 120 days.
The group said not a single condition contained in the Minister’s Conditional Approval, was met or complied with by FGR adding that, “based on this failure or refusal, and on the strength of the Minister’s April 17, 2024 letter, FGRBPL stands divested of the Bogoso-Prestea mineral rights”.
A Daily Guide Report