Miners praised for their contribution to economic growth

News from Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Source: Ghananewsagency.org

2019-04-30

The Ghana Mineworkers Union leadership congratulated members for their contributions over the past 75 years through sustained mining activities aimed at supporting the country's economic growth.

The congratulations were in a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Union, Prince William Ankrah, with a copy to the Ghanaian news agency in Accra, in anticipation of the celebration of May 1 this year.

Mr Ankrah said this year's celebration was special, as the Union will hold a number of activities to mark the 75th anniversary.

"To show their gratitude to the hard-working miners, Union members will be invited to a special gathering with birthday memorabilia to be won in a draw after the May Day parade on Wednesday, May 1st. "

In addition to the draw, various birthday memorabilia will be shared, including laptops, tablets, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and sound systems, "he added.

As part of the activities organized to celebrate this day, discussions will be held with mining industry employers to allow those who were unable to attend the May 1st National Parade to ensure that all members are feel part of the history of the working clbad.

Ankrah said the union has established a pay model with key players in the sector, such as Newmont Gold and AngloGold Ashanti, to use the productivity matrix and other macroeconomic indicators as a scientific basis for the industry. Salary increase.

"… Over the years, the Union is worried about the poor infrastructure in our mining towns. After more than a century of mining, we can not continue to inflict this injustice on our mineral-rich communities, which are a major source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. "

He said the union was taking advantage of the celebration to call on the government to repair the poor roads and other infrastructure in the mining areas, adding that demonstrations in these communities showed the frustration of the people and required urgent action to fill the gap in the area. 39; infrastructure. The Union advocates a Special Presidential Initiative (PSI) to accelerate overall the implementation of major projects, particularly road networks in mining communities. Under PSI, the government could urgently conclude a special arrangement to encourage public-private partnership to address infrastructure issues in mining towns. The Mineral Development Fund and early payment of royalties could be negotiated with mining companies with a positive balance sheet for this initiative, said Ankrah.

"Adopting a special presidential initiative, coupled with the necessary political will and just leadership, Ghanaians can be badured of unprecedented infrastructure development and many positive changes in the mining townships. We have lamented the horrendous infrastructure deficit in the mining towns. Let's go beyond the discussion. "

Mr Ankrah said that the Union, as part of its integrated plan to accelerate socio-economic progress in the mining areas, was creating buffer companies, thus offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs. employment to support local economies.

"Through public-private partnerships, we can support local economies beyond the extractive industries and that's what our California peers in the United States of America, Australians and South Africans have. made …"