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The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union has announced its intention to resist a government mandate requiring international mining companies to outsource operations to local firms.
Union President Abdul Moomin Gbana stated that while the policy aims to boost national participation, it significantly undermines the welfare of ordinary miners.
The union, representing roughly 14,000 members, warns that shifting from foreign-led operations to local contractors will lead to diminished job security and the erosion of hard-won labour protections.
According to the union, there is a staggering wage gap between direct employees of major mining firms and those hired by local contractors, with some workers earning nearly 50% less in basic pay.
Beyond lower wages, there are mounting concerns regarding the failure of local firms to fulfil statutory obligations, such as pension and provident fund contributions.
Gbana criticised the government for sidelining labour groups during the drafting of the 2025 regulations, accusing authorities of prioritising political reforms over the financial stability of the workforce.
The government has directed major gold producers, including Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti, to transition all primary mining activities to local contractors by late 2026 or face legal sanctions.
While some mining executives have labelled the policy as anti-business and a violation of existing lease agreements, the union is threatening coordinated strikes and protests to halt the rollout.
The group has officially petitioned the mining regulator, asserting that they will not accept any policy that reverses years of collective bargaining gains.
