The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress-Ghana has postponed their planned protest at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Jubilee House, initially slated for April 15 to 18, 2024.
The current dates for the protest are April 25 and 26, 2024, at the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources and Parliament.
According to the group, the rescheduling was necessary due to the unavailability of the police to assist with the protest on the previous dates.
“A meeting with the Accra Regional Police Command on 9th April 2024, has modified the venue and dates for the picketing from April 15-18, 2024 at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Jubilee House, to 25th and 26th April 2024 at the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources and Parliament respectively”.
“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”.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the General Secretary of the Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, clarified that the decision to organize the protest is aimed at urging the government to revoke the mining lease of Future Global Resources Limited, the operators of the Bogoso-Prestea Mines.
The union contends that Future Global Resources has not demonstrated sufficient financial capability to manage the mine since assuming control in 2020.
Therefore, they find it surprising that despite a recommendation from the Minerals Commission to the Minister of Lands & Natural Resources to revoke the license, it has not yet been done.
Abdul-Moomin Gbana, the Union’s General Secretary, also expressed frustration over the delay in action by the ministry despite recommendations from the Minerals Commission.
“The union’s call comes after the Attorney General & Minister of Justice confirmed the recommendation of the Minerals 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”.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has expressed surprise at the decision of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union of the TUC to protest the revocation of the license of Future Global Resources Limited, the operators of the Bogoso Prestea Mines.
The Ministry explains that negotiations are at an advanced stage for a resolution. The Public Relations Officer of the Lands Ministry, Abraham Otabil, called for patience as the ministry endeavors to resolve the impasse amicably.