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14.03.2012 Regional News

Mine Workers' Union to go into banking

14.03.2012 LISTEN
By Ghanaian Chronicle

The Ghana Mine Workers' Union (GMWU) is to construct an ultra modern office at Obuasi, which will serve as the headquarters of its Investment Unit, at a cost of US$900,000.

The project, which is to be undertaken in two phases, will also serve as the branch of the Union's proposed financial institution, Golden Pride Savings and Loans Limited.

Speaking at the official sod-cutting ceremony, Mr. Robert Asamoah-Gyekye said the first phase involved the construction of the ultra modern branch and offices, with the second being the construction of the head office block.

He said the day was a major step in 'fulfilling the dream of the visionaries of this great Union of ours,' adding that the siting of the Head Office in Obuasi was in recognition of the loyalty the mother union had received from the local union, and the support it had enjoyed over the years from Anglo Gold Ashanti (AGA).

'The sod-cutting ceremony also marks the beginning of the process of seeking for a license from the Bank of Ghana, and initiating other viable ventures that will increase the wellbeing of our members; empowering Ghanaians in Rural-urban Ghana, and by that, creating wealth in the areas we will operate.'

Mr. Asamoah-Kwakye was optimistic that by the end of the year, the first phase of the project would have been completed.

The Managing Director of Anglo Gold Ashanti, Obuasi mine, Mr. Kwesi Enyan, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Osei Afriyie, Industrial Relations Manager of AGA, Obuasi mine, hoped the project would encourage the workforce to secure their future with investments.

He said the management of AGA made land available for the project, because it wished that staff of the business conducted their work in the best possible environment for the good of the workforce.

Mr. John Alexander Ackon, Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, on his part, welcomed the project, and hoped its completion would eliminate the alleged illegal money lending business in the system.

Mr. Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers, in cutting the sod for the commencement of the project, advised members to cultivate the culture of savings to guarantee their future.

Pix: (above) Mr. Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers Union, cutting the sod for the commencement of the project. Those in the picture include Mr. John Alexander Ackon, MCE for Obuasi (third left), Mr. K Mensah Gyakari, GMWU National Chairman, and Mr. Nicholas Yeboah, Secretary of the Obuasi branch of the GMWU

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