Minerals Commission Engages Local Contract Miners to Safeguard Ghanaian Jobs, Workers’ Welfare

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, has met with a batch of local contract miners to address concerns raised by the Mine Workers Union over the transition from owner mining to contract mining.

Mr. Tandoh said the Minerals Commission empathises with the Union’s position on unfair wages, and as the industry regulator, remains committed to ensuring the full participation of Ghanaian workers in the mining sector.

He urged the contract miners to constitute a team to develop a fair and transparent framework favourable to contract workers.

“We need to build a firm but workable baseline for remuneration. Workers cannot be made worse off in their conditions of service when employed by local contractors” he stated.

He also warned against price undercutting, urging contractors to price appropriately or risk government intervention.

He added that government would take punitive action to enforce workers’ welfare, citing complaints that some contractors have failed to pay provident fund contributions, bonuses, SSNIT contributions and other statutory obligations.

Noting that mining lease holders already have their own Chamber, Mr Tandoh advised contract miners to formalise their group.

The broader objective, he said, is to build the capacity of local companies to take over large-scale mining operations. He encouraged contractors to form joint ventures and alliances to bid for contracts and pursue responsible mining.

“We want to see collaboration, realistic rates and numbers, and motivation for Ghanaian workers without them being short-changed,” he said
”Remuneration in our industry in Ghana is not standardised, and the Commission wants to help resolve this.

He advised contractors to engage professionals and consultants to get it right the first time and stressed the need for sound corporate governance and localisation.

He proposed that associations and alliances with other qualified professionals – including human resource practitioners, lawyers, mining engineers and other experts – lead negotiations on behalf of the contract mining workforce.

A chamber for contract miners, together with institutional partnerships, would give the sector stronger bargaining power and a collective voice.
On the impact of import tariffs and other taxes on mining equipment, Mr Tandoh disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield positive results for the mining sector and for Ghanaian workers.

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