Anglogold Ashanti Refutes Media Reports of Laying off 5,300 Workers

The Head of Corporate Affairs of Anglo Gold Ashanti, Kwame Addo Kufuor has  refuted media reports that 5,300 workers have been laid off from the company.  

Mr. Addo Kufuor who could not give
the correct figure however said management is yet to lay off workers.

He said the decision to lay off workers is due to the decline in gold
prices on the world market and the decision of Anglo Gold to close
down the mine  is  because it is too old.

Meanwhile, AnlogloGold Ashanti has since issued a statement to that effect.

Below Is The Statement:  


The Management of AngloGold Ashanti has denied sacking 5,300 workers and also shutting down the mine as been reported in some media.

A statement issued by the management in reaction to a November 6, 2014 Daily Graphic story explained that the “proposed amendment includes undertaking downsizing operations to ensure sustainability”.

That, it said, involved some level of retrenchment of staff, adding that “feasibility studies will also be undertaken”.

“In compliance with the Mining and Minerals Law, AGA early this year, submitted to the government and regulatory agencies, its Amended Programme of Mining Operations (APMO) which seeks to address key challenges facing the Obuasi mine and provide a road map to ensure its future viability,” it said.

The statement said discussions with the government and regulatory agencies in connection with the issue were currently ongoing. 

“AGA has to date shared the challenges of the Obuasi mine and the critical need for its transformation, with all its key stakeholders. AGA is also engaging in continued dialogue with workers, the Ghana Mine Workers Union and the community to ensure that actions taken have their input and are in the best interest of the Obuasi mine and all concerned,” it stated.

The statement therefore, assured all stakeholders that any decision on the APMO concluded with the government on the future of the Obuasi mine would be promptly shared with them and advised the media to exercise restraint in putting out stories with no factual basis on the ongoing exercise.

GBC