Galamsey: Organised Labour Reject Government Assurances, to Proceed With Nationwide Strike on October 10
Organised Labour is set to proceed with a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10, following a crucial meeting in which union leaders dismissed government assurances regarding the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
The unions’ demands include a comprehensive crackdown on all forms of mining in forest reserves, the declaration of a state of emergency in affected areas, and the revocation of Legislative Instrument 2462, which permits certain mining activities in sensitive ecological zones.
Additionally, they are calling for the deployment of military forces to safeguard water bodies and forest reserves.
President Nana Akufo-Addo had appealed to Organised Labour in an October 3 meeting to reconsider the strike, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to curbing the environmental damage caused by illegal mining. The President underscored the importance of unity in addressing what has become a pressing national crisis.
However, union leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, stating that the proposals on the table do not adequately address their concerns.
In a statement following Monday’s meeting, Organised Labour affirmed that its strike notice remains in place, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the unions and the government.
The planned industrial action adds to the mounting pressure on President Akufo-Addo’s government to take decisive action against illegal mining, which has become a critical issue due to its severe environmental and socio-economic consequences.
