Mineworkers’ Union denies Land Ministry’s claim of consultation on contract mining

The Ghana Mineworkers' Union (GMWU) has firmly rejected the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources' assertion that it has engaged in extensive consultations regarding the government's recent directives on contract mining. On October 22, 2026, the GMWU issued a statement disputing the Ministry's claims, labeling them as "factually inaccurate".

The Union noted that it had petitioned the Ministry on August 20, expressing concerns about the Local Content Policy and its potential implications for contract mining and workers' conditions.

The GMWU argued that the policy could lead to exploitation, abuse, and the casualization of workers, while simultaneously undermining existing labor protections. The Union urged the government to suspend the directive and initiate a comprehensive, transparent engagement process that involves workers in policy decisions. However, the GMWU emphasized that it had not received any practical steps from the Ministry to address its concerns, despite the passage of over two months.

The Union highlighted that it does not oppose the involvement of Ghanaian businesses in the mining sector. Instead, it expressed concern over policies and practices that might undermine workers' rights, weaken social protection, and transfer wealth from employees to contractors. The GMWU stressed that local content should result in decent and sustainable jobs and provide opportunities for all Ghanaians, rather than becoming a means for exploitation that benefits a select few contractors at the expense of the workers who risk their lives in the mines.

Furthermore, the GMWU raised concerns about media engagements involving the Minerals Commission and other stakeholders on contract mining, local content, and workers' conditions of service. The Union reminded these entities that several employment-related matters are governed by the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), and fall under the purview of collective bargaining. The GMWU cautioned the authorities to exercise caution before making unilateral decisions that affect workers' conditions of service.

The GMWU affirmed its willingness to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in developing the mining industry while safeguarding workers' rights and livelihoods. It reiterated that local content policies should foster national development, generate sustainable employment, and ensure that workers fairly benefit from the sector. At the time of the Union's statement release, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had not responded.