Mineworkers Union Honours Former President Rawlings

The Ghana Mineworkers Union, as part of its 75th Anniversary, has awarded former President Jerry John Rawlings for his contribution to the development of the mining sector.

Other awardees are Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Mr Ebo Tawiah, former member of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), and Mr Dominic Foevie, former General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers Union.
They were presented with a plaque for playing a significant role in shaping the mining sector.

Mr Prince William Ankrah, the Union’s General Secretary, said President Nkrumah's vision and foresight led to the building of the Gold Refinery at Tarkwa.

Although there was no written policy to guide the exploitation of the mineral resources, Dr Nkrumah remained steadfast and resolved to sustain the mining industry.

"Dr Nkrumah nationalized the sector to protect workers’ right to employment, a catalyst for industrialization," he added.
For President Rawlings, the General Secretary said from 1981 to 2000, he initiated and implemented aggressive policies to stimulate investment into the minerals economy.

The mining sector, under his leadership, received priority attention unrivalled by any under the Economic Recovery Programme in 1983, Mr Ankrah said.

He implemented specific sector policy reforms and promulgated a series of laws culminating in the creation of an effective regulatory framework that boosted foreign investments.

Mr Ankrah said Mr Tawiah was recognised for securing a tax-free paid overtime for the Union and members of three other unions at a time when their salaries were meagre.

"Mr Tawiah ensured that all distressed state institutions earmarked for privatization were done in line with laid down policies" he added.