Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - The Ghana Mineworkers' Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress has commend AngloGold Ashanti for offering Ghanaian nationals with the requisite competencies the opportunity to exhibit their potential within the Ghana operation and beyond.

A statement signed by Mr Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary, said the union saw the elevation of Mr. Kwesi Enyan to the position of a Managing Director in charge of the Obuasi operation, and that the current transfer of Mr. David Renner, who was the Managing Director of the Iduapriem Operations in Ghana to be in charge of its two Mali Operations, is a sign of encouraging its future high flyers. The union said AngloGold Ashanti had also promoted a Ghanaian as Head of Human Resources for its Obuasi and Iduapriem operations. "The trend portrayed in recent times indicates AngloGold Ashanti's commitment to grow its business with a blend of international personalities capable of adding value to its operations worldwide and we urge other mining companies to emulate the AngloGold Ashanti initiative." The union said although Gold Fields Ghana Limited had also elevated a Ghanaian to the position of a General Manager, "there is a lot to be done in this area".

"It is against this background that the Ghana Mineworkers Union opposes a situation where the Company's country Human Resources Manager after six years of service in Ghana with no value addition is yet to be replaced with another expatriate."

The Union therefore called on the Minerals Commission and the Immigration quota authorizing committee "to examine critically and evaluate this negative pattern" in line with the localisation clause in the Minerals and Mining Act (2006), Act 703 as well as international best practices. "In the opinion of the Union, a mix of varying nationals with the right attitude, talents and character add to the development of fortunes of the business as well as the nation states." The Union said it must be noted that expatriation was expensive and hence the need to reduce it to the barest minimum to boost profitability and dividend for the benefit of the stakeholders. 01 Feb. 10