The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has engaged another group of local contract miners as part of efforts to address concerns raised by the Mine Workers Union over the transition from owner mining to contract mining.
Mr Tandoh said the Commission recognised concerns about unfair remuneration and was committed to protecting the interests of Ghanaian workers as the mining industry undergoes the transition.
He urged contract miners to establish a representative team to develop a fair and transparent remuneration framework that would protect workers’ conditions of service.
“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 said.
The Minerals Commission CEO also cautioned contractors against underpricing their services, warning that government could intervene where pricing practices undermine workers’ welfare.
He said the government would take punitive measures against contractors who fail to meet their obligations to workers, including the payment of provident funds, bonuses, SSNIT contributions and other statutory benefits.
Mr Tandoh further noted that mining lease holders already have an organised body through the Chamber and encouraged contract miners to formalise their own association to strengthen their collective voice.
According to him, the broader objective is to build the capacity of Ghanaian-owned companies to eventually take over significant large-scale mining operations.
He encouraged local contractors to form joint ventures and strategic alliances to improve their capacity to bid for contracts and operate responsibly within the sector.
“We want to see collaboration, realistic rates and numbers, and motivation for Ghanaian workers without them being short-changed,” he said.
Mr Tandoh expressed optimism that continued engagement between the Commission, contractors and workers would produce practical solutions and contribute to a stronger mining sector while protecting the welfare of Ghanaian workers.
