Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has penned a thought-provoking open letter to Organised Labour in the wake of their planned strike on October 10.
Manasseh, known for his outspoken views on governance and corruption, expressed his appreciation for Labour’s recent efforts but also voiced concerns about their stance on illegal mining, or ” galamsey,” and its detrimental effects on Ghana’s environment.
In his letter, he urged Organised Labour to rise above political influences and hold the government accountable for the ongoing destruction caused by illegal mining.
Manasseh began by commending Organised Labour for finally stepping up to the plate after years of political inactivity. He refered specifically to their campaign against the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels, which he believes demonstrated Labour’s realization of their role in protecting national interests.
For years, Manasseh argued, Labour’s silence on key issues has made them complicit in the “political crimes” against the people of Ghana.
However, his appreciation quickly turned into a challenge, “Your failure to act when it matters makes you accomplices of the political crimes Ghanaians have been subjected to over the years,” Manasseh noted.
His concern centered on the ongoing illegal mining crisis, which he considered one of the most pressing issues threatening Ghana’s future.
According to Manasseh, Organised Labour’s threat to strike if the government does not take decisive action against illegal mining reflects a newfound sense of urgency that could shift the political landscape.
“This is a political season, and the government does not want to touch the issue of illegal mining for fear of losing votes to the opposition NDC. The government values the votes of illegal miners more than the lives they are destroying.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Investigative Journalist
He noted that illegal mining’s consequences—polluted water bodies, deforestation, and destroyed farmlands—are not prioritized by a government more concerned with staying in power.
Manasseh was quick to point out that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) should not be seen as a credible alternative in this matter. He recalled that under the NDC, led by former President John Dramani Mahama, illegal mining also flourished.
In his view, the current administration may have exacerbated the problem, but the roots of galamsey go back to the Mahama era. He claimed, “NDC failed to fight galamsey, the Akufo-Addo government has effectively legalised it” through the indiscriminate issuance of mining licenses and the controversial law permitting mining in forest reserves.
Manasseh didn’t mince words when describing the extent of the destruction wrought by illegal mining under the current administration. He pointed out that the so-called licensed small-scale miners are no better than the illegal galamsey operators and that, in many cases, they are worse.
These licensed miners have the resources to employ heavy machinery, leading to massive environmental devastation. Despite this, state institutions charged with regulating mining activities have looked the other way, leaving the door wide open for political cronies and corrupt officials to plunder Ghana’s natural resources.
“I have seen many politicians in the governing party say that the government will not heed your call to tackle the issue of illegal mining. Some have annoyingly said that banning or suspending mining will not solve the problem.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Investigative Journalist
Manasseh went on to criticize members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for dismissing Organised Labour’s concerns, some suggesting that mining cannot be suspended and others accusing Labour of acting under the influence of the opposition NDC.
“They have turned a blind eye to the glaring evidence of destroyed rivers, farmlands, and forests,” Manasseh lamented. He believes that the government’s request for Labour to reconsider its strike is nothing more than a stalling tactic, aimed at preserving political stability rather than addressing the real issues.
Call to Action: Strike While the Iron is Hot
Manasseh’s appeal to Organised Labour was clear: “Do not back down.” He deemed their impending strike as the last line of defense against a government that has failed to protect the country’s environment and natural resources.
“You will be letting those of us who have started to believe in you down if you fail to act on galamsey,” he wrote, urging Labour to seize this moment and act decisively before the upcoming elections.
“If, for the first time, you have the power to call the politicians to order and you fail, history will not remember you kindly.
“Some are even alleging that your ranks have been compromised. Don’t let your nation down.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Investigative Journalist
Manasseh insisted that Organised Labour should not be swayed by political calculations or concerns about which party benefits from their strike. He referenced past instances, such as when former President Mahama’s infamous “dead goat” comment became a rallying cry for the NPP, to show that Labour’s actions have historically influenced the political arena.
However, he emphasized that political gains should not dictate the decision to protect Ghana’s environment.
Manasseh cautioned Organised Labour that history will judge them harshly if they fail to act now. He implored them to strike before the December 7 election, making it clear to the government that a country with non-functional hospitals, schools, and key services cannot support an election campaign.
Manasseh deemed the government’s promise to revoke the Legislative Instrument (LI 2462) that allowed mining in forest reserves as insufficient, arguing that much of the damage has already been done.
Manasseh warned that the fight against illegal mining should not end after the election. He expressed little faith in the opposition NDC’s commitment to addressing the issue and urged Labour to demand concrete commitments from all political candidates.
“You have a unique opportunity to bring some semblance of sanity back to a nation ruined by greed and stupidity,” Manasseh emphasized, rallying Organised Labour to remain steadfast in their cause.
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