The Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley Constituency, Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, has issued a strongly worded condemnation regarding the alleged deployment of military personnel to the Future Global Resources (FGR) mine.
According to the MP, the military’s involvement in employment matters at the mining site, particularly the dismissal of certain workers without prior formal communication or clear reasons, is unlawful and deeply troubling.
“The use of military personnel to dismiss workers without any formal communication or engagement with the affected employees raises critical legal and ethical questions regarding the rights of workers in a democratic society.
Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni Valley Constit uency
In a press statement, Hon. Cudjoe expressed his grave concern over the military’s actions at the FGR mine, which he noted saw personnel being used to regulate access to the site and determine which workers may retain their employment.
He criticized thE approach for undermining the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651), specifically Section 57(2), which clearly outlines the procedures for the termination of employment contracts.
Hon. Cudjoe challenged the legality of involving military personnel in actions that directly affect employment contracts, questioning under what labour statutes such actions could be justified.
Demands for Clarification
He called for immediate clarification from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Minerals Commission regarding a number of pressing issues.
Among several issues, Hon. Cudjoe demanded to know who prepared the list of dismissed employees and the criteria used for their selection.
He also sought clarity on whether the action constitutes redundancy or outright termination and requested details on the terms and conditions of the dismissals. He further questioned what engagement had been done with the affected workers.
Furthermore, the National Democratic Congress lawmaker queried the rationale behind the involvement of military personnel in what he described as an employment matter, asking for justification for their presence at the mining site.
In demanding the status of the remaining workers, Hon. Cudjoe questioned the fate of the workers not included in the dismissal list and why only 213 workers were selected for termination.
“I demand a prompt response to these questions”, Hon. Cudjoe stated, urging all relevant stakeholders to add their voices to the matter.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the livelihoods of constituents, job security, and the sustainability of the FGR mine, which is vital to the local economy.
The involvement of military personnel in civil employment matters has sparked widespread concern among labour groups and human rights advocates.
Many view this as a troubling development that could set a dangerous precedent for the use of military force in industrial relations.
The Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine, in recent times has been in the news for quite unfortunate instances including concerns of mismanagement.
In June this year, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni Valley Constituency, Honourable Robert Wisdom Cudjoe expressed deep disappointment in the government’s failure to enforce Conditional Approval Directives for Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine.
In a strongly worded statement, Honorable Robert Wisdom Cudjoe chastised the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Minerals Commission of Ghana for their apparent lack of commitment, dishonesty, and inadequate attention to the revitalization of the Future Global Resources (FGR) – Bogoso Prestea Mine.
Honorable Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, in a passionate call to action, urged the government to cancel FGR’s mining leases to make way for other investors capable of investing in the mine.
READ ALSO: Shatta Wale Challenges Stonebwoy to a Dancehall Showdown for Supremacy
