Cardinal Namdini Shandong Mining Limited, a Chinese company operating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, has come under public criticism for reportedly favouring job seekers who are not from the district while rejecting job proposals from equally qualified indigenes. Members of the Talensi Community Mining Initiative (TAMCI) blamed some individuals who are associated with the company for the alleged discrimination.
The group mentioned the individuals during a press conference as Maxwell Wooma, Emmanuel Kofi Adusei and Baba Sulemana who are staff of the company. The organization also mentioned the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, who serves as the employment liaison officer for the company.TAMCI claimed the company was hiring staff largely based on their political affiliation with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The group said attempts made to get the issue addressed did not yield any results. Investigations by Word News revealed significant disparities in employment practices within the company, particularly regarding the treatment of local workers, who often face poor working conditions, inadequate training, and limited development opportunities.
Moreover, the investigation uncovered issues with selective certification processes for promotions, where local staff who perform well are overlooked.
This has resulted in stagnant salaries for locals, while some company-provided insurance policies have expired and remain unrenewed, leaving staff without the necessary support.
Residents expressed frustration over unfair treatment compared to other Ghanaian nationals. Reports indicate that cash payments are often required for employment opportunities, effectively excluding locals from the hiring process.
While the company claims a policy of 50% local recruitment, many positions are advertised nationally, leading to the hiring of individuals based on recommendations from managers who are not from the local area, violating mining regulations.
The situation has also prompted concerns among local employees, who report that those employed from outside the Upper East Region, despite having similar qualifications, receive significantly better compensation.
Discontent has grown, with key figures like Kofi Adusei and Maxwell Wooma avoiding media inquiries following accusations of nepotism and corruption in hiring practices.Local leaders have been criticized for their complicity, allegedly prioritizing their financial interests over the needs of their communities.
This has led to calls for transparency and accountability from the mining company.In light of these issues, TAMCI has made several demands to improve conditions and relationships with the company:
1. Dissolution of the Current Employment Committee: The committee, chaired by Baare Naba, should be disbanded, and a new, inclusive committee with defined roles should be established.
2. Engagement with the Technical Team: The company should meet with the local technical team within 14 days to discuss a proposed relationship agreement focused on social responsibility, employment, and development funds.
3. Creation of a Mining Governance Structure: A formal structure should be established to facilitate a sustainable community-company relationship.
4. Dismissal of Allegedly Malpracticing Officials: Maxwell Wooma and Emmanuel Kofi Adusei for allegedly hiring based on political and monetary considerations. Baare Naba should be prohibited from representing the employment committee.
Alhassan Muniru should be dismissed due to suspicions of gold theft, as he was previously dismissed from another company for similar allegations.
5. Formation of a Compensation Committee: Collaborate with a local technical team to review compensation practices.These demands reflect the community’s desire for fair treatment and equitable opportunities in the face of ongoing challenges within the mining sector.
Source:: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo