Organised Labour Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Government Inaction on Illegal Mining
Organised Labour led by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has issued an ultimatum to the government, threatening to lay down their tools by the end of September if decisive measures are not taken against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The move signals escalating frustrations over the government’s perceived inaction, as illegal mining continues to wreak havoc on the country’s environment and water bodies.
In a statement released by TUC Secretary General, Joshua Ansah, the Union called for immediate and bold interventions to combat the galamsey menace.
Specifically, the Union demanded the government declare a state of emergency in areas most affected by illegal mining, halt all mining activities in forest reserves, and establish special courts to prosecute offenders swiftly.
They also proposed deploying the military to dismantle mining equipment in order to halt operations in illegal mining sites.
“The environmental destruction caused by illegal mining is a direct result of the government’s failure to act decisively,” the TUC statement read, calling the situation unsustainable and detrimental to the livelihoods of countless Ghanaians.
The move by Organised Labour adds to growing public pressure on the government to address illegal mining, which has caused widespread deforestation, river pollution, and threats to food security across the country.
With the TUC threatening industrial action, the standoff raises the stakes for Ghana’s leadership.
Read Details of Statement:
