Tension Brews In Kwawu West Over Move By 750 Workers Of Akroma Mining Firm Embarking On Sit-Down Strike
The aggrieved staff numbering about 750 are protesting poor conditions of service at the hands of management.
Freeman Koryekpor 
WORKERS of Akroma Gold mines in Kwahu Esaase, a Mining Company in the Eastern Region, have embarked on an indefinite sit-down strike over unpaid Cost-Of-Living Allowance (COLA) and other Outstanding statutory payments.
The aggrieved staff numbering about 750 are protesting poor conditions of service at the hands of management.
The workers are demanding an increment in the cost of living allowance (COLA) and asking management to pay their Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as well.
Additionally, they demand that their canteen fee be increased, and salaries should be paid through formal means using the banks.
In a memo addressed to management, sighted by Soireenews.com, the workers are demanding that management of Akroma Gold mines, pay in full of all their COLA arrears owed them, as well as other insensitive arrears.
"No more tabletop payment. Some people have not been paid their SSNIT. They gave us appointment letters and our transportation system is poor. Our canteen services are also poor and since 2018, we have been given GHs15 for breakfast and ten Ghana cedis for lunch. It is in our contract of agreement that we must be given food," they told journalists.
Addressing journalists, the branch General Secretary of Ghana mines workers Union at Akroma Mr. Adasu Francis despite attempts to resolve the situation, their efforts have been unsuccessful, hence their action follows demanding solidarity of over four years and above casual workers to be enrolled into perminent workers.
He also explained that, the MOU, signed by the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) branch, also gives the company to honour their demands and refusal to listen, they will see the workers elevate their strike to a different level.
On their part, some of the workers who spoke to media said they are in pursuit of their demand for a year Cola and other bonuses decided for them, stressing, the strike was triggered about a week ago but they were waiting for good negotiation by the management of Akroma Gold mines to revert immediately the decision on refused in heeding to the National Union leaders after their meeting.
When media reached out to the Head of Stakeholders, Human Resource (HR) and Community Relations officer of Akroma Gold Mines, Mr Fred Somuah said he is bothered about the concerns of the work, hence management are on negotiation to solve the issue.
