The Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) has slammed the Minerals Commission over the enforcement of maximum working hours of employees in the mining sector as stated in L.I. 2182, describing the move as unacceptable.

Joy Business understands the Commission in a letter to mining firms has directed them to comply to the eight hours work schedule as stated in the Health, Safety and Technical Regulations (L.I. 2182) and the Labour Act (Act 651) by September 30.

Sources tell JoyBuisness government through the Minerals Commission, is learning has directed all mining companies to comply with the maximum working hours of employees as stated in L.I. 2128 because its hopes to use that to create jobs for the employed youth in the mining sector.

In an interview, the General Secretary of the Union, Prince William Ankrah, said creating jobs out of overtime is not feasible, insisting that Ghana’s mining industry is safe.

“The inspectorate is depending on an L.I. which is realistic to make sure that workers in mines don’t get tired which is normal but in the last couple of years, we have had one of the sustainable safety standards within the industry which I can attest to.

"So even though the concern is coming from the commission, am yet know what informed the decision,” he said.

He added that “this is because the trend is not as we are having accidents which should warrant any policy intervention. I have sighted the letter to member companies.

"Even though we don’t come into being copied but I think that, if that is a way for government to create jobs then the government is being short-sighted.”

In the letter from the inspectorate division of the Commission, it urged the companies to fully adhere to working hours as stipulated in the Mining Health, Safety and Technical Regulations by September 30, 2018.

JoyBusiness understands the directive is in line with government’s vision of creating fresh jobs for the youth in the mining sector.

When the regulation is enforced the mining companies will have no option than to employ new hands to meet their production demands or better still cut production.