The Mineworkers' Union has taken a firm stance against precarious employment in Ghana's mining sector. In a petition dated August 20, 2026, the union accused the government of allowing local content policies to fuel precarious employment and demanded the suspension of contract mining directives.
Labour Brokers and Fixed-Term Contracts Under Fire
The union expressed particular concern over the growing use of labour brokers and fixed-term contracts in the mining sector. According to reports, the union has been pushing for the government to take action against companies that engage in these practices. "We will not stand idly by while our members are exploited," a union representative said.
The use of labour brokers and fixed-term contracts has led to widespread insecurity among mineworkers. Many have reported being hired on short-term contracts, only to be laid off without notice or compensation. The union has accused the government of turning a blind eye to these practices, despite evidence of their negative impact on workers.
Petition Seeks Release of Trapped Savings
In addition to demanding the suspension of contract mining directives, the union has also petitioned the central bank for the release of more than 380 million cedis ($34.55 million) in trapped savings. According to reports, these funds have been frozen since a clean-up of the financial sector. The union has accused the government of failing to provide adequate support to mineworkers affected by the clean-up.
The release of these funds would go a long way in addressing the financial struggles faced by many mineworkers. The union has argued that the government has a responsibility to ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their work. "We are not asking for handouts, but for the government to honor its obligations to our members," a union representative said.
Industrial Action Looms
If the government fails to respond to the union's demands, the mineworkers' union has threatened to take industrial action. The union has given the government a deadline to respond to its petition, and has warned that any further delay will be met with resistance. "We will not hesitate to take action if the government fails to address our concerns," a union representative said.
The mineworkers' union has a long history of fighting for workers' rights in Ghana's mining sector. Their efforts have led to significant improvements in working conditions and compensation for many workers. However, the current situation remains precarious, and the union's demands remain unmet.
The government has yet to respond to the union's petition, and it remains to be seen how they will address the concerns raised by the mineworkers' union. One thing is certain, however: the fate of Ghana's mineworkers hangs in the balance, and the government's response will have far-reaching consequences for the sector.
Source: 3News
