Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - In order to boost foreign exchange earnings fr= om minerals, the Ghana Mines Workers Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congre= ss has proposed to government to speed up the divestiture of Ghana Railways Corporation. The union also expressed the need for the reconstruction of the Weste= rn Region tracts of the Railway Corporation, to facilitate the haulage and exportation of bauxite and manganese and trigger the economic activities of the people in the region.

In a resolution passed after the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the GMWU, it said Galamsey operators (Small scal= e miners) should be encouraged to form co-operatives for the licensing and regulation of their activities.

The resolution was signed by Mr Prince William Ankrah, General Secret= ary and Mr John K. Brimpong, National Chairman of the GMWU. It called for the institution of a Housing Fund in line with governme= nt effort to develop public sector housing. The NEC also expressed concern about the influx of foreigners, which the members said duplicated the country's expertise. The union called on the government to make public, details of the oil=

agreement in conformity with the tenets of good governance. It also cautioned stakeholders in the oil industry to ensure that the=

environmental, health and health concerns as well as social responsibilit= ies are adequately addressed.