The former director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has called on Organised Labour to reject President Akufo-Addo’s appeal to abandon their planned nationwide strike against illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.”
The strike, scheduled to begin on October 10, is aimed at pressuring the government to take more decisive action against the rampant environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities.
Mr. Ansah-Asare expressed disappointment in President Akufo-Addo’s handling of the galamsey crisis, accusing the president of failing to live up to his initial promises to fight the issue head-on.
In a scathing critique, he said that Akufo-Addo’s plea to Organised Labour should not be entertained and urged labour leaders to continue with their planned protest as scheduled.
“On assumption of office, he said he would put his presidency on the line and said should he fail the galamsey fight, he would pay for it. We have asked him to apologise but he hasn’t apologised.”
Kwaku Ansah-Asare, former director of the Ghana School of Law
The meeting between President Akufo-Addo and representatives of Organised Labour, held behind closed doors, focused on the escalating crisis of illegal mining in Ghana and its devastating impact on the environment.
Galamsey has long been a significant issue in the country, with illegal miners operating in protected forests and along riverbanks, leading to severe deforestation, water pollution, and degradation of natural resources.
President Akufo-Addo, during the meeting, highlighted the various steps his administration has taken so far to combat the menace of illegal mining.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s environment and natural resources, pointing to measures such as the deployment of military personnel to mining regions, increased law enforcement, and policy reforms aimed at regulating mining activities.
Despite these assurances, Mr. Ansah-Asare remained critical of the president’s efforts, arguing that they have not yielded the desired results.
According to Ansah-Asare, the president has not lived up to this promise, and the illegal mining crisis continues to ravage Ghana’s ecosystems.
Call for Accountability
Mr. Ansah-Asare’s frustration with the president’s handling of the galamsey crisis stems from what he perceives as a lack of sincerity and accountability. He emphasized that Akufo-Addo has failed to deliver on his commitment to effectively tackle the issue.
“He has not been sincere. You will not keep any promise that you give within the next eight weeks. So, as far as I am concerned, Organised Labour should proceed with the timetable.”
Kwaku Ansah-Asare, former director of the Ghana School of Law
In a more direct critique, he suggested that President Akufo-Addo should allow Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to assume control of the government during the remaining weeks of the administration, arguing that the president has failed to demonstrate the leadership required to address the ongoing environmental crisis.
Mr. Ansah-Asare was not convinced by the president’s reassurances. He believes that Organised Labour’s planned nationwide strike is necessary to hold the government accountable and push for more immediate and tangible action.
The former law school director sees the strike as an opportunity for the people of Ghana to stand united in their demand for better environmental stewardship and stronger governance.
At the core of Mr. Ansah-Asare’s message is a call for unity among Ghanaians in the fight against illegal mining. He stressed that addressing the galamsey crisis is not solely the responsibility of the government, but also of civil society, the private sector, and organised groups like labour unions.
By proceeding with the strike, Ansah-Asare argued, Organised Labour would send a strong signal that the people of Ghana will no longer tolerate the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, nor the government’s perceived failure to act decisively.
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