Accra, May 17, GNA - The Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said that some mining companies are exceeding the quota for recruitment of foreigners into positions which could be filled by Ghanaians.

The GMWU therefore appealed to the government to halt the "blanket freedom" of the companies whose actions are detrimental to the well-being of skilled Ghanaian workers.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Friday, Mr Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the GMWU, said apart from its cost implications to workers, the situation was demoralizing local staff who have equal or higher skills. He also touched on the recent wages and salary review being undertaken by the Union saying it was not meant to make any reckless demands that would erode the gains of the mines but based on "our fair share of the substantial windfall in gold sales that is putting smiles on the faces of shareholders and financiers". "As a Union our philosophy is to encourage business vibrancy based on the notion of productivity through people," Mr Ankrah said. He said steps should be taken by government to ensure that the state benefits from mining receipts emanating from the windfall. 17 May 08