Over sixty workers of Newmont Mining Company in the Ahafo Region, who have been declared medically unfit by the company’s accredited occupational health physicians and are being prepared for exit, have petitioned the government to intervene in matters affecting them.
The workers explained that the Ahafo Human Resource (HR) team of the mining giant has begun distributing letters offering 36 months’ basic salary to affected staff, instead of the 60 months that was initially agreed upon.
According to the aggrieved workers, the reduction in benefits from 60 months to 36 months of basic salary, without any clear justification, has severely affected their welfare—particularly in light of recent fluctuations in the value of the dollar.
These concerns were outlined in a press statement issued on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Kenyasi in the Asutifi North District, and signed by Frank Kofi Adusei, Chairman of the Omanbotantim Association, a community-based pressure group advocating for the fundamental human rights of residents.
The affected workers who had petitioned Omanbotantim stressed that previous workers have been left in critical condition after being sent home, and some have passed away due to mining-related health issues, saying, “those still alive often lack adequate support and care.”
In addition, the affected mine workers raised concerns about unfair treatment by Newmont Ghana’s management, alleging that selected individuals receive preferential treatment—including full 60-month benefits—while others are denied equal entitlements.
In Ghana, the Workmen’s Compensation Act, PNDCL 187 (1987), is the primary legislation governing compensation for mine workers with occupational diseases. The Act makes employers liable to pay compensation, as determined by a medical practitioner, for injuries and diseases arising out of employment.
The amount of compensation is based on a percentage of what would be paid for permanent total incapacity, as specified in the Act. Employers are also required to cover full wages, medical treatment, and appropriate compensation for workers suffering from job-related illnesses.
Mr. Kofi Adusei appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through the Minerals Commission, to ensure that all workers are treated fairly and receive the full 60 months of benefits as initially agreed. He urged the government to direct Newmont Africa to prioritize the welfare of the affected workers and provide the necessary support.
The Chairman of the Omanbotantim Association further noted that he considers the Government of Ghana’s intervention crucial to guarantee justice and fairness, given the silence from Newmont Corporation’s top leadership despite the workers’ petition.
Mr. Kofi Adusei expressed his profound disappointment and deep-seated concerns regarding Newmont’s handling of issues affecting its workers suffering from occupational illnesses noting that “these are a direct result of the impact of their jobs in mining.”
“We kindly request the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, private institutions, NGOs, the Ghana Journalists Association, and all relevant parties to assist in this matter,” he solicited.
We hope for a prompt response and a resolution that brings relief to the affected workers. We believe that a fair and just solution can be reached through dialogue and cooperation. We look forward to working together to address these concerns and ensure a better future for the workers.