Ghana Mine Workers' Union Explained

The Ghana Mine Workers' Union (GMWU) is a trade union representing miners in Ghana.

In 1944, workers in the electric shop in Aboso succeeded in getting their English foreman removed, as he had been enforcing unfair working conditions. They formed the Gold Coast Employees' Union, and in November 1947 the union organised a successful strike for improved working conditions.^[1]

In 1957, the Ghana became independent, and the union renamed itself as the "Ghana Mine Workers' Union", in recognition of the country's new name, and the main industry in which it represented workers. By 1960, it had 40,000 members, and had affiliated to the Miners' International Federation and the Ghana Trades Union Congress.^[2]

Membership of the union has gradually fallen, and by 2014 it stood at 16,000. In addition to its industrial activities, it formed the Golden Pride Savings and Loans Company.^[3]

General Secretaries

1950s: Daniel K. Foevie

1960s: E. Williams

1970s: R. A. Yeboah

1990s: Robert Cole

2000s: Prince William Ankrah

References

1. Book: Britwum . Akua . Sixty years of promoting workers' rights . 2007 . Ghana Trades Union Congress . 9988099010 . 119.
2. Book: Goldberg . Arthur . Directory of International Trade Union Organizations . 1960 . United States Department of Labour . Washington DC . 10.1 - 10.16.
3. Web site: Ghana Mine Workers Union . Commonwealth Network . Commonwealth of Nations . 21 October 2019.