The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union is making a strong case for the recapitalisation of the mining sector.

According to the Union, the surge in gold price makes it a better alternative than calling for the introduction of a windfall tax on mining profits.

Delivering a speech at the Union’s National Executive Council meeting in Sunyani, the General Secretary of the Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana said an increased investment for the sector will improve the sector’s market offering and create more jobs.

“This, we believe, would place the mining industry on a sound footing to create additional jobs and ultimately respond to the increased unemployment numbers brought about by COVID-19 in the short and long-run; extend companies’ life-of-mine and by extension the industry; grow the industry’s contribution to the national kitty through taxation and also contribute to improving the infrastructural development needs of host communities,” he said.

On his part, the National Chairman of the Mineworkers’ Union, Mensah Gyakari, expressed worry about fixed contract mining.

“It is worrying that at a time gold price is rising, unfortunately, some of the companies are thinking of doing away with permanent workers, and tend to give fixed-term contract,” he said.

Mr Gyakari has urged government to take action against companies culpable.

The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union has pledged to improve the quality of life of mining communities through collaborations with these communities under its programme dubbed “Mineworkers’ Partner Communities.”