The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, on Wednesday inspected the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) in Awaso in the Western North Region.
The inspection was to acquaint himself with the situation on the ground following workers’ protests over low salaries and poor conditions of service.
The enraged workers set the Company’s vehicles, residential and offices ablaze on Tuesday, June 18, resulting in the temporary closure of the company.
The General Manager of the Company, Jingkun K.Fang who briefed the Minister, called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators to restore investor confidence.
Mr. Fang said negotiations were on-going to resolve the salary disparity when the workers embarked on the protest and believed the workers’ action went beyond low working remuneration.
He said all the expatriate workers went undercover because they feared for their lives, while the Ghanaian Human Resources Manager escaped with his family
He said although the situation had calmed down, it was not safe to resume operations, adding that it was assisting the police in their investigations.
The Ghana Bauxite Company is operated by Bosai Mineral Group of China that owned 80 percent, while government of Ghana has 20 percent stake in the firm.
Mr. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh said the action by the workers was illegal because their demonstration did not follow the public order act and the destruction that follows was criminal.
He therefore asked that the Police to tighten security at the Company.
He also called on the police to speed up investigation to bring the perpetrators to book. He said government will ensure that those who were are involved are arrested and prosecuted
Meanwhile, the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Osei Bonsu told the media that security was beefed up at the company’s premises to protect lives and property.
He said other security services including; the military, Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Immigration Service joined the Police to ensure maximum security.
In all, about 40 workers were involved in the violent protest, which started on Monday, June 16, 2019.
