New investigations into the legal eviction of Chinese mining company Longshine from Swed Mining’s concessions at Prestea Bondaye in Ghana’s Western Region have revealed disturbing claims of worker exploitation, possible human rights violations, immigration infractions and open defiance of Ghanaian regulations.
Based on evidence and statements collected so far, employees at the site were allegedly made to endure harsh and demeaning conditions for months without adequate supervision from state agencies.
Insiders allege that workers received as little as GHS 1,000 monthly while being forced to work nonstop without rest days in hazardous and unsafe environments.
Some staff members also claimed that deductions were taken from wages of those who fell sick due to the conditions, rather than offering medical care or protection.
The reported treatment has sparked serious worries about the safety of Ghanaian workers and the enforcement of labour standards in the mining industry. Staff members are said to have faced major health and environmental dangers while on the job. Equally concerning are claims that several Chinese nationals at the site worked using tourist visas, many of which had expired.
Documents said to be available include passport copies, visa records and payroll files. Most alarming is the allegation that the plant manager directed operations while holding an expired tourist visa.
If confirmed, the claims would represent major breaches of Ghana’s immigration and labour laws and raise questions about why the activities allegedly went unchecked for so long.
The revelations are likely to prompt probes by the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, National Security, the Ghana Police Service, and other relevant bodies. The case is quickly drawing public attention, with increasing demands for openness, accountability, and a full investigation into operations at the Longshine site.
