Prestea (W/R), Nov. 3, GNA - A 667.4 million-cedi labour office and public employment centre built by Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL) was inaugurated at a ceremony at Prestea at the weekend.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Mr Yaw Barimah, Minister of Manpower Development and Employment said government has placed employment and wealth creation as a focal point of its economic policies.

He said crucial to the achievement of this objective is increased private sector investment and increased productivity and efficiency at the enterprise level.

Mr Barimah, who is also Member of Parliament for Koforidua said: "Industrial peace and harmony are obviously the key to the attainment of economic growth and prosperity."

He said at the enterprise level, many organisations have put in place arrangements to involve workers in dialogue with employers over enterprise goals and workers concerns through durbars, in addition to negotiations with representatives of labour unions.

The Minister was encouraged by BGL's policy of periodically engaging the service of consultants to update workers on the financial status of the company prior to Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.

These, he said, would give both parties a fair idea to enable them to engage in meaningful negotiations, adding: "This is a practical demonstration of the efficacy of dialogue in promoting industrial harmony for which the labour department under this ministry is committed to."

Mr Barimah assured management and board of BGL that government will also do its utmost best to facilitate business in the mining sector through the provision of the appropriate economic and conducive environment for the growth of mining operations and good returns in investments.

Mr Neil Stevenson, Acting General Manager of BGL, said BGL would construct a treatment plant for processing gold in the Bondaye area near Prestea.

He said the Prestea underground mine, which is under care and maintenance, would be eventually opened to open up employment avenues for the people in the area.

Mr Stevenson said BGL has re-gravelled some roads linking some farming communities, including Bronikrom and Kutukrom, to enable farmers, especially to bring their farm produce to market centres.

Mr. Albert Kwaku Obbin, Member of Parliament for Prestea/Huni-Valley constituency pleaded with the mine to give priority to the people in the area when it comes to recruiting people for employment, and also increase its budget for community development.

Osagyefo Kwamina Enimil VI, Paramount Chief of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area appealed to BGL to expedite action on the opening of the underground mine to enable many people to acquire employment.

He commended BGL for embarking on the Alternative Livelihood Programme that would create employment opportunities, wealth and sustain economic activities after the closure of the mine.

In a brief history, Mr T.K. Esirifi, Acting Chief Labour Officer, who was the first labour officer to be sent to Prestea said the labour office was opened in 1961 and was given a district status in 1964.