A report filed on www.asonabamediaonline.com, indicates that the government of Ghana is set to lose huge revenue in the mining sector as some Chinese nationals at Golden Star Resources, a member of Chifeng Jilong Group of Companies in Wassa Akyempim in the Western Region, have now taken positions that are meant to be occupied by Ghanaians, a situation that has raised concerns from workers.
The report said, “while Galamsey, mostly funded and run by Chinese Nationals has become an albatross on our neck, this worrying situation at Golden Star Resources breaches the Legislative Instrument L.I.2431 of the Minerals And Mining (LOCAL CONTENT AND LOCAL PARTICIPATION) REGULATIONS, 2020, which stipulates that locals [Ghanaians] should be employed and trained to create local employment and promote the growth of domestic manufacturing.
In a document intercepted by the website, it indicates that government of Ghana has 10% shares in this mining company whiles the Chinese owners have 90% shares.
Positions such as Human Resource [HR], HSEC [Health, Safety, Environment, and Community], as well as Commercials and Finance, which used to be a reserve of the locals by law have currently been taken over by Chinese nationals even though it is an infringement of the LOCAL CONTENT Regulations.
The infringement of the Local Content Regulation could generate an unprecedented demonstration against the company and the government.
“We feel betrayed by the company and the government because until the mining company was given the concession, we were used to spearheading the activities of this company when the locals were used to occupy those various departments but now we feel betrayed” Angry staff who spoke to the website on anonymity revealed.
Another shocking revelation gathered also indicates that a Chinese national Denis Li who is occupying the Commercial Department was previously illegally country engaged in galamsey activities.
Golden Star Wassa Mines which has a ten percent government stake started its surface mining operations in 2005 in the Wassa area, followed by underground mining in 2017 until it transitioned into an underground-focused mining operation in 2018.
Ghana is currently having difficulties winning investors as Fitch rates the country’s stability CC which is a clear indication that the government may need Internal Revenue to improve the economy.
The unpleasant experience with Chinese companies that took over the Ghana Manganese Company and Ghana Bauxite Company should guide Ghana’s regulators and Government authorities to take a quick decision on the Golden Star Wassa matter. The Ghana Manganese Company and Ghana Bauxite Company were messed up by the Chinese until the authorities realized that it would not help the economy and that the influx of Chinese had to be controlled.
The minerals commission and Ministry of Lands and Natural resources must step in to make sure that multinational companies operating in the country strictly comply with the LOCAL CONTENT Regulations.
