Organised Labour has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, reiterating its resolve to take decisive action if specific demands concerning the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) are not addressed by the end of September 2024.
This declaration comes in the aftermath of a crucial meeting held on 17th September 2024, between Organised Labour and an Ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Committee established by the President to tackle the devastating impact of galamsey on the country’s environment, economy, and public health.
Organized Labour, in a statement, noted that the high-level meeting, chaired by the Minister for National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah, sought to address Organised Labour’s initial set of demands, which were presented during a press conference earlier this month.
The statement pointed out that at the heart of these demands lies an urgent call for a sustainable and permanent solution to the illegal mining activities that have ravaged Ghana’s forests, rivers, and farmlands, posing what labour unions have described as an “existential threat” to the nation’s survival.
“The Government team, led by the Hon. Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, gave a chronological rendition of their efforts at combating galamsey. Organised Labour is of the opinion that Governmental efforts in the past have failed woefully to stop the galamsey menace and its negative impacts.
“In the wake of the existential threat this menace poses to our lives and livelihoods, Organised Labour remains resolute to ensure that this issue is addressed permanently”.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General Organized Labour
The statement further indicated that in response to Organised Labour’s new demands, the government requested more time to consult with other stakeholders, adding that the committee indicated that it required at least one week to develop a comprehensive roadmap and address both the initial and additional demands set by labour unions.
However, the statement indicated that Organised Labour made it clear that the government’s request for more time does not affect their original ultimatum.
Labour’s Additional Demands: A Call for Bold, Systemic Change
Amid growing frustration with what it views as the government’s inadequate response to the crisis, Organised Labour tabled additional demands aimed at ensuring the complete eradication of galamsey.
These new demands include a calls for revocation of the Forest (Cessation of Forest Reserve) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023 (E.I. 234).
The statement emphasized that labour is pushing for the immediate reversal of the controversial Executive Instrument, which it believes paves the way for further degradation of Ghana’s forest reserves through mining-related activities.
Additionally, the statement pointed out that Organized Labour called for a political pact on Galamsey, stressing that Organised Labour is calling on all political parties in the country to come together and sign a binding agreement banning illegal mining in all its forms.
The unions insisted that a bipartisan approach is essential to solving the galamsey problem, as previous efforts have been marred by political interference and lack of sustained commitment.
These demands underscore Organised Labour’s belief that Ghana’s fight against galamsey requires far-reaching systemic change and a unified national effort, devoid of partisan interests.
Firm Deadline and Threat of Action
Moreover, the statement mentioned that despite the government’s appeal for more time, Organised Labour’s leadership, represented by Secretary-General Joshua Ansah, made it unequivocally clear that the unions’ deadlines for action remain unchanged.
“Our initial demands are still in force, and if by the end of September 2024, a favourable response is not received, we will be left with no choice but to roll out our intended actions”.
oshua Ansah, Secretary-General Organized Labour
The statement reaffirmed Organised Labour’s earlier threat to resort to industrial action, and protests if their demands are not met.
Speaking on the urgency of the situation, the Secretary-General of Organized Labour, Joshua Ansah decried the devastating impact of illegal mining activities, underscoring its impact on the environment.
Organised Labour remains resolute in its stance, calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to stand firm in the battle against galamsey.
As the press release concluded, “We continue to count on the support of our members and well-meaning Ghanaians and urge all to remain resolute in our quest to ensure our self-preservation and a complete cessation of galamsey in our country.”
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