The youth of Tarkwa in the Western Region have kicked against attempts by by Goldfields Ghana Limited to dismiss over 2,000 workers as a result of a new ‘Contract Mining” operating model adopted by the mining giant.
According to the Concerned Youth of Tarkwa, who declared their opposing stance at a news conference at Tamso, near Tarkwa on Monday, they would deploy all means to resist the move by the company, describing the action as a “betrayal” and a “hijack” of the livelihoods of Wassaman.
In that regard, the youth have urged the government to call the company to order for it to abandon the new plan so as to sustain the mineral economy and provide jobs for the youth.
The youth’s news conference comes ahead of the second court hearing on Wednesday of a case filed by the Ghana Mineworkers Union challenging the basis for the redundancy exercise planned by Goldfields to dismiss over 2000 workers.
Addressing the news conference, to oppose contract mining by Goldfields Limited, a leading member of the youth group, Mr. Joseph Turton Mensah, vowed that the youth would not sit for Tarkwa to become a ghost town like Obuasi.
“What we the youth are kicking against is contract mining, the very thing which happed to Damang that has since put the Damang people in quandary.
“Must the youth sit down unconcerned for Tarkwa to become a ghost town like Obuasi?
“If contract mining is the only solution then those who are pushing the agenda should also surrender their jobs for contracting.
“Why should they stay put in their post. Is it because this is an opportunity for them to hijack the contract in the name of their own companies to enable them rake 10 percent more or for the contract to fall into their bosom. Is this not dishonesty at the highest level?
“All that the youth are asking for is that the company maintains owner mining,” he stressed.
By Nii Adotey/adrdaily.com
