Demonstrating Gold Fields workers clash with military

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Some workers of Gold Fields Ghana Limited Tarkwa clashed with security forces as they embarked on a demonstration on Monday March 12, 2018. The mine workers are demonstrating to mount pressure on  management of the gold mining company to rescind its decision to lay off over 2,000 workers. Thousands of workers clad in red attires and wrist bands gathered at the forecourt of the company’s Club House amidst drumming and dancing as early as 6:00 a.m. According to the workers, as they were singing, drumming and dancing, the military and armed police personnel, who were dispatched to the company’s premises to restore calm, rather started firing warning shots and tear gas. In the process some workers seriously got injured while others were arrested but were later released, 3news.com gathered. The mine workers accused management of Gold Fields of compelling them to sign letters of redundancy immediately after a court ruling. They also indicated that some of their colleagues were made to sign fixed term contract. Journalists covering the incidence had to run for their lives as the military started chasing them after noticing their presence at the company premises. Meanwhile, executives of the Ghana Mine Workers Union were in a crunch meeting with the workers who have resolved to lay down their tools until sanity is restored. By William Peters|3news.com|Ghana]]>