Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - The leadership of the Ghana Mines Workers Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress, has expressed commitment to explore ways to raise the 300-dollar medium term wage of members to 500 dollars. It also called on government to legislate the establishment of an Escrow account similar to the reclamation bonds.

Under the bonds, mining companies are required to provide as part of their legal requirement in operating a mine, benefits to cater for employees in the event of unforeseen closure of the corporate entity. A resolution passed by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the GMWU said members expressed concern that some mining companies fold up without fulfilling their contractual obligations to their employees.

The resolution jointly signed by Mr Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary and Mr John K. Brimpong, National Chairman also called on the government to ratify the International Labour Organisation Convention 176 and 183 of 1996 on Health and Safety Measures in the mines. The resolution said successive governments had failed to ratify the convention and recommendation, which sought to promote and protect the health and safety of mineworkers.