The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on local mining companies to significantly improve their commitment to workers’ welfare, warning that failure to do so could lead to a governance crisis reminiscent of the country’s financial sector collapse.
Speaking at the Union’s National Executive Council meeting in Accra on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Deputy General Secretary Jerry Andy criticised the tendency of many indigenous mining firms to lag behind their foreign counterparts in areas such as employee care, workplace safety, and adherence to global best practices.
Mr. Andy cautioned that weak governance, poor welfare systems, and disregard for accountability could erode trust in Ghana’s mining sector both locally and internationally.
“The Union urges these local entities to be more attentive to workers’ wellbeing and welfare, and also to institute high standards of accountability, comply with corporate governance rules and regulations, and respect international standards. This will avert an unfortunate but avoidable situation like we witnessed in the financial sector, where shareholder interference and the circumvention of governance rules led to the collapse of many institutions, denying innocent depositors their investments,” he stressed.
Throwing his weight behind the call, Secretary General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, urged the government to fast-track the long-awaited review of the Labour Act to address systemic disparities in the mining industry.
“The TUC Ghana is committed to supporting the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union in its efforts to improve working conditions, promote occupational health and safety, and advocate for miners’ rights. We will continue to work together to address the challenges facing the mining sector and ensure that workers’ voices are heard,” Mr. Ansah said.
“I therefore call on the President and the Minister responsible for Labour and Employment to facilitate and conclude the review of the Labour Act, to give real meaning to labour relations matters in the country.”
During the meeting, the Union also paused to express condolences to the government, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the families of the eight people who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom.
The victims included:Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation,Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Also lost were three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anal, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The Union described the loss as “a national tragedy” and urged unity in mourning the fallen, while also calling for thorough investigations to ensure aviation safety for government officials and the public.
