The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU), part of the Trades Union Congress, has denied that it has participated in any consultations with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources regarding the ministry’s latest contract mining directive. The ministry, which issued a policy brief on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, asserts that it has held extensive discussions with the union since concerns were first raised.
In a statement released Thursday, October 22, the GMWU described the ministry’s claim as inaccurate, insisting that no consultations had taken place. The union highlighted that it had formally petitioned the ministry on August 20, 2026, to address potential risks the policy could pose to workers’ wages, entitlements and conditions of service.
“The GMWU wishes to restate that as at 21st October 2026 when the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources published its Press Release, absolutely no consultation had taken place between the Ministry and the GMWU,” the union said. “The claim therefore that it has engaged extensively with the Union’s Leadership is not factual and ought to be disregarded.”
While the union supports responsible participation of Ghanaian businesses in the mining sector, it opposes any policy that would transfer wealth from workers to contractors, weaken social protection or undermine decent work. The GMWU cautioned the Minerals Commission and the government against unilateral decisions on workers’ welfare, noting that many of these matters fall under collective bargaining and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
The union reiterated its commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to develop the mining industry while safeguarding workers’ rights, dignity and livelihoods. The dispute highlights the ongoing debate over how contract mining will be regulated in Ghana and the role of workers’ unions in shaping policy.
