Organized Labour in Ghana has declared a nationwide strike starting October 10, 2024, in response to the government’s failure to address the issue of illegal mining, also known as galamsey which continue to pollute water bodies mining communities in particular.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting held today, October 1, 2024, after the expiry of a deadline set by the labour unions.
The strike call, signed by Trade Unions Congress Secretary Johua Ansah, Isaac Bampoe Addo, Chairman of the Forum, and Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour, urges all workers to stay at home until the government meets their demands.
Galamsey has been a persistent problem in Ghana, with severe environmental and health implications.
The labour unions have been pushing for the government to take concrete steps to address the issue, but to no avail.
The strike is expected to bring the country’s economy to a standstill, with all sectors, including healthcare, education, trade, and transportation, likely to be affected.
The Ghana Federation of Labour and the Trade Unions Congress have a history of advocating for workers’ rights and social justice in Ghana.
This strike is seen as a last resort to pressure the government to take action.
The nation waits with bated breath as the strike deadline approaches.
Background:
Organized Labour, led by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) called on the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo-Bawumia-led government to halt the escalating illegal mining (galamsey) activities by the end of September 2024.
The group in a statement issued in Accra on 11th September 2024 and signed by the General Secretary of TUC, Mr. Joshua Ansah, Chairman of Forum, Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, and Deputy General Secretary of GFL, Mr. Kenneth Koomson gave a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if decisive action is not taken to address the escalating galamsey (illegal mining) menace.
Organised Labour is thus demanding an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in all areas affected by galamsey.
The group also called for a halt to all mining activities in forest reserves, the establishment of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of galamsey operators, and the deployment of the military to remove and destroy all mining equipment in affected areas.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
