Nigerian Labor in Ghanaian Gold Mines Political Dimensions, Economic and Social Outcomes 1960-1966

Abstract

Following the issuance of the 1960 Constitution, the gold mining industry in Ghana witnessed a decline in production, as a result of the political reactions shown by Britain, by withdrawing its investments, as well as the Ghanaian government’s efforts to make it a national industry and liberate it from colonial dependency. Therefore, this industry suffered from a severe shortage of manpower, especially unskilled ones, which made the Ghanaian government move towards bringing the workers from abroad, especially Nigerian workers who were working for lower wages than national workers. These workers were exposed to problems and harsh, dangerous working conditions, and were surrounded by many social and economic conditions.

      The study reached a number of results and conclusions, including: The decision to bring Nigerian workers was a sovereign decision, and a first step towards liberating the Ghanaian gold mining industry from colonial dependency. In addition, the Ghanaian government was able, by bringing in Nigerian workers, to revitalize the gold mining industry, which achieved profits under difficult circumstances, including Britain’s fight against this industry, by withdrawing its unskilled cadres, in order to return it to the colonial embrace