Chinese mining firm operating in Ghana to improve workers’ safety
Shaanxi Mining Company Limited, a Chinese Mining Company operating at Gbani in the Talensi–Nabdam District of the Upper East Region is to improve the safety and employment conditions of employees.
The Mining Company which has been operating in the District for two- and-half years is providing support service to Yenyeya and Pubot-Tabah Groups as mining concessionaries and has engaged about 150 local staff.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Wei Yunlong, made this known at a staff meeting on Tuesday.
He said Chinese doctors would be attached to the mining sites to provide health service to the workers and the people in the district.
“In addition, the company will provide adequate protective working clothing, mining hats, sandals and put more safety measures at the sites to curb health hazards,” he said.
Mr Wei said the company is at the prospecting, development and exploration stage, indicating that when the corporate entity embarks on full operations, the workers, their families and the Region would witness the benefits.
He said the company has plans to complement government efforts at building more schools, health facilities, feeder roads, provide electricity and water among other projects in its operational area.
The CEO alleged that some of the workers are stealing the company’s property including drilling machines and siphoning of fuel from machines and pledged to punish the culprits when they are caught.
The Labour Officer of the District, Mr Wilson Badza impressed upon the workers to use dialogue to address their grievances instead of resorting to confrontation and violence.
Mr Ernest Okyere, of the Minerals Commission said his outfit has been monitoring and supervising the operations of the company to ensure that it followed standards and help reduce health hazards.
The Managing Director of Yenyeya Concessionary, Mr Charles Taleog appealed to parents to send their children to school in order to acquire the needed skills to hold positions in the company.
Mrs Vivian Anafo, District Chief Executive, whose speech was read on her behalf, commended the Chinese investors to guard against engaging the labour of children.
Source: GNA