Accra: The Extractive Industry Workers' Union Ghana (EIWUG) of the Ghana Federation of Labour has raised concerns over the government's directive for major mining companies to transition to contract mining for surface operations by December 2026. The group cautioned that the move could destabilize jobs and investment in the sector.
According to Ghana Web, the union, during a press conference on May 1, 2026, announced its decision to abstain from the national march to draw attention to what it described as a 'major structural shift' in mining operations. EIWUG highlighted that the directive from the Government of Ghana affects major mining companies, including Newmont, Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, and AngloGold Ashanti. The union believes this policy change could have significant implications for job security, working conditions, collective bargaining rights, occupational safety, and the overall welfare of mine workers and their dependents.
EIWUG warned that if contract mining is not properly regulated, it could result in the casualisation of labour, erosion of employment benefits, and weaker adherence to health and safety standards. The union cited past experiences in the industry where subcontracting and third-party employment models led to negative outcomes such as job insecurity, lower compensation, and inconsistent labour standards.
The union also criticized the lack of clarity around the implementation framework and stakeholder engagement. EIWUG urged the government and the Minerals Commission to consult organized labour, local communities, and industry stakeholders before rolling out such a significant policy. They emphasized the need for transparency, fairness, and a clear roadmap for implementation.
EIWUG expressed concerns that uncertainty in mining investment could harm Ghana's economy, potentially leading to job losses and reduced growth. This uncertainty could undermine Ghana's attractiveness to future investors. While reaffirming support for local content and participation under LI 2431, EIWUG proposed a balanced approach to encourage local companies to form consortia and establish mining enterprises. They suggested strengthening monitoring and enforcement of local content obligations while allowing international operators to continue under existing models, provided they comply with localisation rules.
The union called for the government to engage in 'meaningful dialogue' to ensure that Ghana's mining sector remains sustainable, competitive, and beneficial to workers and the wider economy.