The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has cautioned government against allowing local content policies in the mining sector to erode workers’ rights, warning that the reported directive to transition to contract mining could undermine job security and decent work standards.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, May 1, 2026, the Secretary General of GFL, Abraham Koomson, expressed solidarity with the Extractive Industry Workers’ Union Ghana (EIWUG) and all mine workers whose livelihoods may be affected.

He stressed that while the Federation supports Ghanaian participation in mining, it will not endorse policies that weaken labour protections.

“Let me state clearly from the outset that the Ghana Federation of Labour is not opposed to local content. We support Ghanaian participation in the mining sector. We support policies that deepen Ghanaian ownership, promote local enterprise, retain value within the national economy, and create decent jobs for Ghanaian workers. However, local content must not become a cover for labour casualisation,” Koomson said.

EIWUG warns government over contract mining policy

He argued that national participation must go hand in hand with protecting workers’ rights, noting that decent work, as defined by the International Labour Organization, rests on employment, rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue.

“If a policy increases Ghanaian ownership but leads to insecure jobs, lower wages, weaker union protection, poorer safety standards and reduced collective bargaining, then it falls short of the decent work standard,” he added.

The GFL called for the immediate suspension of the directive until full disclosure, meaningful consultation with organised labour, and a labour impact assessment are carried out.

Koomson insisted that any transition to contract mining must be preceded by a clear labour-protection framework to safeguard jobs, wages, benefits, pensions, union rights, and occupational safety standards.

“Any local contractor that takes over mining operations must be required to respect existing labour standards, collective agreements, union rights, wages, benefits, pensions, social security obligations, and occupational safety and health standards,” he stated.

The Federation reaffirmed its support for local content but warned that it would not back policies that compromise secure employment or diminish workers’ rights.