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The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and its affiliates are deeply saddened by the accident caused by a truck carrying explosives which resulted in the death of 13 people and scores injured at a gold mine in Western Ghana. The incident happened after a motorcycle crashed into a truck last week Friday.

"This clearly proves beyond reasonable doubt that the lives of our people have less value compared to that of animals. This is extremely shocking given the fact that Ghana as a member state affiliate to ILO is bound to uphold convention No 155 which requires all employers to put in place necessary health and safety policies and practice to safeguard the plight of workers," said Maja Mphahlele, WFTU Africa Regional Coordinator.

"It is against this background that we will forever remain resolute in defence of the plights of workers against sheer ignorance and injustice sought to trivialise the hard-won gains workers attained when it was not fashionable," Mphahlele added.

We further note with dismay the breach of Ghana labour act as specified in their policies inter alia stating that, “the employer must take measures to prevent contamination of the workplaces and protect the workers from toxic gasses, noxious substances, vapours, dust.

Fumes, mists and other substances or materials hazardous to safety and health. We relate this progressive legislation akin South African protective labour legislation that derives its mandate from their respective supreme laws to protect workers and their surrounding communities.

The WFTU will forever strive to echo its position in pursuit of lending a hand through solidarity to the people of Palestine, Cuba, Swaziland and any other country whose sovereignty may be under siege.

 We will do everything possible to keep our eye on the developments that seek to take care of the plight of those people including ensuring the bereaved families are compensated for the loss of their loved ones. Their children also find solace while pursuing their studies.

We are urging the labour movement in its entirety as echoed by Karl Marx “Workers of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains” . We are making this clarion call precisely because workers belong to the community hence their struggle cannot succeed without the involvement of civil society.

Issued by The World Federation of Trade Unions