Some workers of Gold Fields Ghana Limited at Tarkwa have clashed with security forces as they embarked on a demonstration today. The demonstration was to mount pressure on management of the company to withdraw its decision to lay off over 2,000 workers.
Thousands of workers gathered at the forecourt of the company’s Club House amidst drumming and dancing as early as 6:00 a.m.
According to the workers, as they were singing, drumming and dancing, the military and armed police personnel, who were dispatched to the company’s premises to restore calm, rather started firing warning shots and tear gas.
The mine workers accused management of Gold Fields of compelling them to sign letters of redundancy immediately after a court ruling. They also indicated that some of their colleagues were made to sign fixed term contract.
The military started chasing journalists who were there to cover the incidence after noticing their presence at the company premises.