The Government of Ghana has directed the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) and Goldfields Ghana Limited to immediately deal with the problems that resulted in a demonstration by workers of the Goldfields Tarkwa Mine in the Western Region on Monday, 12 March 2018.

The demonstration was over plans by management to lay off about 2,150 workers. The action of the workers has been backed by the National Executive Council of Ghana Mineworkers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

The council, in an emergency meeting over the impasse last week, resolved that “there should be hoisting and wearing of red bands by all workers in the mining industry, beginning Tuesday, March 13, 2018.”

Their demonstration was, however, stopped along the line by the Police who claim they were not informed about the exercise.

Minutes after the development, the Ministries of Employment and Labour Relations; and Lands and Natural Resources, held a meeting with the Trades Union Congress and the GMWU to find solutions to the problem.

A communiqué issued and signed by all the parties present at the meeting, said: “On 12th March, a meeting was convened jointly by the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations; and Lands and Natural Resources and held at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations conference room to deliberate on the current impasse between Goldfields Ghana Limited and the Ghana Mines Workers Union of TUC.

“The meeting agreed as follows: That the Union must document all its concerns and submit same to the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations before close of business on the 13th of March 2018.

“That a meeting between the parties (Ghana Mine Workers’ Union and Goldfields Ghana Limited) would be held on Wednesday, 14th March 2018 under the auspices of two ministries (supra) to further deliberate on the issues to reach an amicable settlement.

“It is expected that the Leadership of the Mine Workers Union shall ensure that calm is restored at the Mines pending final resolution of the issues.”

It added: “We hope that parties will commit to the process of an amicable resolution of the impasse.”