At an Extraordinary Delegates Conference of the Ghana Federation of Labour on July 23–24, 2024, the delegates unanimously expressed grave concern over the prolonged inactivity of Future Global Resources Bogoso Prestea Limited (FGR) mine.
The shutdown has left hundreds of employees jobless and financially vulnerable for eight months. The devastating shutdown has not only robbed workers of their livelihoods but also deprived the indigenous communities of Bogoso and Prestea of their primary source of income.
The Federation strongly condemns this situation, warning of severe consequences for job security, industrial peace, and national security. The prolonged closure of the mine has pushed workers and their families to the brink of financial ruin, with many struggling to make ends meet.
In a solidarity statement issued at the end of the delegate’s congress, the Federation urgently calls on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to take immediate action to resolve the challenges hindering the mine’s reopening.
According to the GFL delegates, the Minister’s prompt intervention is crucial to restoring jobs and livelihoods for the affected workers, revitalizing the local economy, ensuring industrial peace, and safeguarding national security and stability.
The Federation demands swift action to address this critical situation, emphasizing that every day of inaction exacerbates the suffering of the workers and communities.
The Minister’s timely response will determine the fate of hundreds of families and the future of the region’s economic development.
According to the Federation, the prolonged closure can lead to permanent business closures, causing economic instability and widespread job losses.
The Federation explained that it could also create an environmental problem as the abandoned mines can pose ecological hazards such as water pollution and soil degradation.
The danger is that prolonged shutdowns can deter future investment, making it challenging to attract new businesses.
The Federation noted that these long-term effects underscore the importance of swift action to resolve the challenges and reopen the mine, ensuring the well-being of workers, communities, and the regional economy.
