The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to urgently address what it describes as growing exploitation, precarious employment and unfair labour practices in Ghana’s mining sector.
The union says the increasing use of labour brokers, fixed-term contracts, casual employment, outsourcing and contract mining is undermining job security, wages, social protection and workers’ rights.
In its petition, the GMWU alleged that more than 90% of mining workers were engaged on fixed-term or casual contracts by the end of 2024, with the figure rising above 95% in 2026. It also claimed that workers employed by mining contractors often earn significantly less than directly employed workers performing similar jobs.
The union argued that the shift towards contract mining has affected not only ordinary mineworkers but also professionals such as mining engineers, geologists and metallurgists, with implications for household incomes, pensions and retirement benefits.
The GMWU also raised concerns about a Minerals Commission directive requiring some mining companies, including Zijin, Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti, to transition certain owner-mining operations to contract mining by December 2026.
The union said it had opposed the directive and called for a review of the Local Content Regulations, arguing that local participation should create decent employment opportunities rather than facilitate the exploitation of workers.
It said discussions with the Ministry in May 2026 had resulted in a proposed roadmap to suspend the directive and establish a technical committee, including union representatives, to examine the concerns and review the relevant regulations.