The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) of the TUC-Ghana, has postponed its intended picketing at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Parliament House to 25th and 26th April, 2024.
According to the Union, the picketing, which was originally scheduled for April 15-18, was rescheduled after a meeting with the Accra Regional Police Command on 9th April 2024.
“This modification was agreed after the Accra Regional Police Command disclosed the unavailability of police personnel to assist with the demonstration/picketing on the earlier scheduled dates,” a press release dated April 14, 2024 issued by the General Secretary revealed.
“The leadership of the GMWU of TUC-Ghana, on 8th April, 2024, at a News Conference, strongly expressed concern over how the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, seem to be delaying the needed action that must be taken to revoke the mining lease of Future Global Resources Bogoso-Prestea mine to pave way for other investors to takeover the Bogoso-Prestea asset.
The Union’s call comes after the Attorney-General & Minister of Justice confirmed the recommendation of the Mineral’s Commission made to the Minister of Lands & Natural Resources, for the mining lease to be revoked. It is therefore surprising to the union that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is dragging its feet on the matter,” the further noted.
It noted that, “The Unions’ picketing at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Parliament House, is to among other things call on authorities to stop the delay tactics and take a firm and decisive action on the Future Global Resources Bogoso-Prestea mine, by revoking the company’s mining lease and immediate steps taken to revamp operations. The non operation of the mine has brought untold hardship on the more than 1000 members and their families.”
The Union reiterated that “Future Global Resources lacks the capacity to inject capital to keep the mine in operation, as it has failed to do so since it took over in 2020. It is therefore urgently imperative to act now to prevent the further deterioration of the situation.”