Newmont pushes good-faith dialogue with contractors

Newmont Ghana is advising employees of two construction contractors working at the Akyem Project to engage in a good-faith dialogue with their employers in order to have their compensation issues addressed in a safe and responsible manner.

Workers of the two firms, namely Group Five and Wade Walker, protested for additional compensation as their contract winds down as planned.

This development brought together the Regional and District Security Committees, Newmont Ghana, individuals representing the protesting employees, and community leaders to participate in a dialogue.

In a statement copied to the Business and Financial Times, Newmont emphasised that it will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and productive working environment as the construction phase of the project begins to taper-off and first production nears later this year.

The company observed that though the agitations were quite intense, there were no guns or dangerous weapons involved.

“The Akyem Project continues to enjoy strong support from nearby communities, which are eager to benefit from the economic and social development the operation will bring.

“The company says it will continue to partner with the local communities to create alternative economic development opportunities, including support for local business development and funding quality of life initiatives,” it said.

 This is beyond the economic benefits the project already provides to local communities through goods and services purchases, job opportunities and infrastructure investments.

In addition, the company has trained more than 180 young men and women through the four-year Apprenticeship and heavy-duty operators’ programmes to equip local youth with the skills to fill positions at Akyem.

Despite these and other efforts, over the next several months -- as construction activities at the site come to a close as planned -- the company expects increased job-anxiety over the reduced need for construction workers. The construction phase of projects such as these offers the highest number of jobs over the life of an operation.

During the winding-down of construction, it is more important than ever that all employees remain focused on working safely and responsibly.

The company indicated it is looking forward to working with all stakeholders to continue advancing the Akyem project to production as planned.