Gold Fields Damang workers to protest over lease termination

Workers at Gold Fields Damang Mines plan to march to government offices. They want assurances about their livelihoods. This follows the government's decision not to renew the mine's lease after April 18.

The company claims it engaged extensively with authorities. However, the government rejected the application to extend the Damang Mining Lease. This raises uncertainty for over 1,000 employees who may lose their jobs.

The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union supports this planned action. They want the government to provide clear provisions for affected workers. They also seek clarity on the broader economic implications of the shutdown.

Abdul-Moomin Gbana, General Secretary of the Union, spoke to Citi Business News. He emphasized that the state must consider potential economic disruption from lease termination.

He stated, “If government doesn’t change its position, we will lose our incomes.” He added that they may have to march and demand their salaries from the government.

Gbana urged careful consideration before making such major decisions. He noted that if over a thousand workers are affected, the government should be cautious in its choices regarding lease extensions.