Isaac Tandoh(middle)
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has met with another group of local contract miners to address concerns raised by the Mine Workers Union over the transition from owner mining to contract mining.
Mr. Tandoh said the Minerals Commission empathises with concerns over unfair wages and remains committed, as the industry regulator, to ensuring the full participation of Ghanaian workers in the mining sector.
He urged the contract miners to form a team to develop a fair and transparent framework for the remuneration and conditions of service of contract workers.
“We need to build a firm but workable baseline for remunerations. Workers cannot be made worse off in their conditions of service when employed by local contractors,” he said.
Mr. Tandoh also cautioned contractors against price undercutting, urging them to submit realistic bids or risk government intervention.
He said the government would take punitive action where necessary to protect workers’ welfare, citing complaints that some contractors had failed to meet obligations relating to provident funds, bonuses, SSNIT contributions and other statutory requirements.
Noting that mining lease holders already have the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Tandoh advised contract miners to formalise their own association.
He said the broader objective was to build the capacity of local companies to take over large-scale mining operations and encouraged contractors to form joint ventures and alliances to compete for contracts and promote responsible mining.
“We want to see collaboration, realistic rates and numbers, and motivation for Ghanaian workers without them being short-changed,” he said.
Mr. Tandoh noted that remuneration in Ghana’s mining industry was not standardised and said the Commission wanted to help address the issue.
He also encouraged contractors to engage professionals and consultants to strengthen their operations, stressing the importance of sound corporate governance and localisation.
On import tariffs and other taxes on mining equipment, Mr. Tandoh disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He expressed optimism that the engagements would produce positive outcomes for the mining sector and Ghanaian workers.
