General News of Monday, 9 June 2008

Source: GNA

Union supports government move on Mining

Accra, June 9, GNA - The Ghana Mines Workers Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has lend its support to governments' decision to set up a committee to review public perceptions about the mining sector.

Areas expected to be looked at includes, mining receipts and environmental issues.

The GMWU has suggested that, major stakeholders such as Non Governmental Organizations, civil society organizations, trades unions and communities affected by mining should not be left out of the composition of the committee. Mr Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the GMWU, who expressed these sentiments to the Ghana News Agency, said Government must address this issue to ensure better results. Mr Ankrah said the Union would make a formal appeal to the Minister of Lands Forestry and Mines on the issue. He said the Union had been pursuing a progressive agenda aimed at re-positioning the image of the mining industry. Therefore, Mr Ankrah said, the union was committed to be part of any government initiative aimed at ensuring that mining receipts benefit the nation.