Union proposes alternative to illegal mining

Accra, Jan. 8, GNA. -The Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said one way to do away with illegal surface prospecting of minerals is for the Mining Companies to use part of their profits to establish viable secondary ventures to absorb the unemployed youth indulging in such activities. He said, for example, the Tarkwa Gold mines could invest in the defunct rubber factory near the town to produce rubber products such as lorry tyres, Wellington boots and others for local and foreign markets which could create employment and also earn hard currency for the country. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Wednesday, Mr John K. Brimpong, National Chairman of the GMWU, said where necessary, government should team up with the companies to create such industries which could enhance the nation's export drive.

On the other hand, he said government should give the unemployed who wanted to go into prospecting concession to do so as was being done in Babiani also in the Western Region.

He said without that, the culprits would be compelled to engage in activities such as galamsey in order to make a living, adding that such surface illegal prospecting has also affected virgin farm lands. Mr. Brimpong said investments in mining generally had not benefited mining communities, but rather adversely affected them, hence government should have a second look at the Mining Law so that some percentage of royalties be used for development in the communities.

He said streets and some buildings in Tarkwa and Obuasi, both in the Western Region were deteriorating as a result of blasting in the mines. Mr Brimpong also said government should help ensure the safety of property of the companies due to threats from illegal prospectors, adding that, if that continued the union would have to withdraw its labour force to protect members.