George Mireku Duker, Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining, George Mireku Duker, has assured workers at the Ghana Bauxite Company that the government’s actions will ensure the company’s long-term viability.
The company’s future, he noted, had been a topic of conversation in the media in recent months after a significant stakeholder pulled out.
He claimed that the investor’s leaving had generated anxiety among the workers, who had threatened to stage a protest if the government did not intervene.
Mr Mireku Duker said this at a meeting held at the company’s headquarters at Awaso in the Western North region.
Series of dialogue
In a series of meetings with the Ghana Mine Workers Union and other key government partners, he assured the workers of the government’s commitment, determination, and desire to ensure the Ghana Bauxite Company runs smoothly.
Following a series of meetings with investors and other key government agencies, the Deputy Minister said that progress had been made and that the company will continue to operate.
He said that the government will reveal the decision in due time, which he feels will thrill workers.
“This engagement is to let us acknowledge all the efforts we have made regarding the continuity of GBC and its affiliates. One of the legs of this company had intents of offloading its shares and the government created the environment for that to happen. As the deputy minister, I can boldly say that we have gone through the entire process and the future is bright,” he said.
“In due course, the entity that the shares were offloaded will be made known by the sector Minister. The respect you accorded us when we came here and how you have managed and comported yourselves is highly impressive. You have been able to control the workforce and continue operations of the mine,” he maintained.
Applauds
Michael Ansah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), praised the ministry’s prompt assistance in addressing the situation and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to the entire process.
He also applauded the company’s management for keeping it functioning so far, and he outlined several crucial decisions made by the government in his area to keep the company from closing.
The Chief Executive of the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly, Mr Alfred Amoah, urged for ongoing interactions between employees and management to achieve a more amicable working environment at the mine.
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