Ghana Mine Workers Union Commends Minerals Commission for Consultation Policy and Legal Review

Ghana Mine Workers Union Commends Minerals Commission for Consultation Policy and Legal Review

By Ernest Best Anane

The Minerals and Mining Policy Review Committee of the Minerals Commission has held a consultation session with members of the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) at the Clubhouse of Tarkwa Goldfields in the Western Region. The Deputy General Secretary of the Union, Mr. Jerry Andoh, welcomed and introduced the delegation from Minerals Commission to the members.

Mr. Benjamin Aryee, The Chairman of the Review Committee, underscored the government’s pivotal role in policy formulation, providing a comprehensive backdrop to the policy document.

He emphasized the proposed revisions, including the introduction of a statement explicitly acknowledging the high-risk nature of mineral exploration and mining. The revisions also aim to update the legal and institutional framework, explicitly outlining the Minerals Commission’s role in managing and regulating the sector.

Mr. Aryee stressed the need to achieve climate change and energy transition requirements while fostering a development paradigm that prioritizes key areas, including improving and enforcing mining sector work-related health and safety regulations and standards. He also emphasized the importance of mainstreaming and formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activities to enhance safety and prevent hazardous occurrences.

The Manager with the Legal Department, Mr. Josef Iroko, indicated that the key proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). He emphasized the importance of integrating a gender-sensitive approach and ensuring that gender considerations are mainstreamed within the mining industry. The proposed amendment also aims to promote the inclusion of physically challenged persons in the mining sector to foster a more inclusive industry.

The proposed amendment will mandate the Minerals Commission to systematically and proactively disclose various information regarding mineral rights, including agreements, licenses, payments, revenues, and production volumes. This move aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and will enhance accountability and transparency in the governance of the mining sector.

The Director in charge of Small Scale Mining and Industrial Minerals, Mr. Nelson Ahedor, emphasized the need to review the Mining Policy, followed by an examination of potential amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act.

He disclosed that the imperative of fostering dialogue with the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union to leverage their collective insight and perspectives in crafting policies and laws that are deeply rooted in the realities of the indigenes.