Accra, Ghana – May 6, 2023 – The Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMWU) commits its unwavering support to defending the rights of three union leaders at Sunon Asogli following their termination of appointments by the foreign employers.
GMWU Secretary for the Union, Abdoul-Momin Gbana, says the terminations were solely based on the employees’ union involvement, with no other misconduct alleged. “These three union leaders committed no crime. The only crime is that they joined a union,” Gbana stated during an interview on Joy News’ Business Live program.
In a show of solidarity, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has pledged full support for a major demonstration by the GMWU scheduled for May 9, 2023, targeting the Chinese firm Sunin Asogli for the unjust termination of three union leaders. The dispute stems from the company’s decision to end the contracts of the workers shortly after they joined the GMWU and were elected as union leaders.
The GMWU emphasizes that all legal procedures were followed, including obtaining a bargaining certificate from the Labor Department. Despite a five-hour meeting with the company’s management, no resolution was reached, leading to the expiration of an ultimatum for reinstatement. Gbana reiterated the union’s openness to dialogue but warned that decisive action would follow if demands are not met by the demonstration date.
TUC Secretary General, Dr. Yaw Baah, echoed these sentiments at the May Day parade in Bolgatanga, declaring, “We will let them know that they cannot come from China to tell us what to do in our own country.” The TUC, along with its 23 affiliate unions, has notified the police in Tema about the planned action, underscoring the national significance of the issue for Ghana’s mining sector. Efforts to resolve the matter include potential intervention by influential figure Togbe Afede, who has been briefed and is preparing to engage with Sunin Asogli. However, the unions remain resolute: workers’ rights in Ghana must be protected against arbitrary actions by foreign companies, particularly in the vital mining industry.
This ongoing saga, which began in February 2023, highlights broader challenges faced by mine workers, including delays in resolution that impact livelihoods and incomes. The GMWU calls on all members and supporters to join the demonstration, standing united against exploitation and for fair labor practices.
credit: JOY NEWS
