On May 1, 2022, the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) marked International Workers’ Day, commonly known as May Day, with a lively event at the National Theatre in Accra, per. Hundreds of union members gathered from various mining sites across Ghana to celebrate workers’ contributions and reflect on their historical struggles. The event’s highlight was a raffle draw, where “several members… went home with amazing prizes,” including giant television sets, multifunctional electric pressure cookers, blenders, microwaves, laptops, and water heaters, per. The festive atmosphere underscored the union’s commitment to recognizing its members’ efforts.
Significance of May Day for Workers
Speaking to journalists, GMWU General Secretary Abdul-Moomin Gbana emphasized the importance of May Day as a moment to honor workers’ rights and chart a path forward. “Today workers’ rights are being respected, today workers can work under very serene environment, we shouldn’t lose sight of it,” he said, urging members to remember their historical struggles, per. Gbana added, “This day… is to say a very big thank you to our teeming members who have travelled all the way from the various sites to commemorate this special day,” reinforcing the union’s gratitude and dedication to its members’ welfare.
Members Praise Union Leadership
Raffle winners expressed their appreciation for the GMWU’s advocacy. Peter Wilson, a member from Newmont in Ahafo and a prize recipient, lauded the union’s efforts: “Working relationship is perfect… without Union I don’t think most of the workers can survive,” per. He highlighted the “lot of benefits” provided, including improved working conditions and welfare support, crediting the union for living up to its promises. The GMWU, representing over 16,000 workers in Ghana’s mining sector, has been instrumental in negotiating better terms for its members, per.
Call for Employment Policy Review
Shadrach Adjetey Sowah, Managing Director in charge of Support Services at Golden Star Resources, used the occasion to advocate for reviewing fixed-term employment policies. “I will say that is the new philosophy and that has been the thinking,” he told the press, noting ongoing discussions within the union, per. Sowah referenced the TUC General Secretary’s appeal to the President during the event to address this issue, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. The call reflects broader concerns about job security in Ghana’s mining industry, a key economic sector contributing 7% to GDP in 2021, per Ghana Statistical Service.
Union’s Commitment and Broader Context
The GMWU’s May Day event not only celebrated workers but also reinforced its role in advocating for better conditions in Ghana’s mining sector, which employs over 50,000 directly, per. Gbana assured members that “the Union will continue to have their interest at heart to ensure their welfare always comes first,” per. The raffle and festivities fostered camaraderie, while discussions on employment policies highlighted the union’s proactive stance. As Ghana navigates economic challenges, including rising fuel costs in 2022, the GMWU’s efforts to support workers remain critical to sustaining morale and productivity in the mining industry.
