Awula Serwah, the Coordinator of Eco-conscious Citizens, has criticized Organized Labour’s decision to call off the strike against illegal mining (galamsey), noting that the government’s conditions have not been met.
Serwah pointed out that the government has failed to declare a state of emergency or halt the use of mining equipment in forests and water bodies, as demanded by Organized Labour.
Additionally, she highlighted that the government has not revoked mining licenses for operations in forest reserves, which was another key demand from the labor group.
“We asked for a pause on community mining [and] this has not been done. We know that we are incapable of monitoring the thousands of community and small-scale mining. This is a government that has had eight years to deal with this problem and hasn’t done so.
“So to call off the strike now, for me, it is more disappointing. The President put his presidency on the line almost eight ago [and] things went from bad to worse”.
Awula Serwah, Coordinator of Eco-conscious Citizens
Serwah emphasized that the Presidency’s assurances of addressing the galamsey issue are insufficient, urging that the public requires a specific timeline for action.
She stated that vague promises do not inspire confidence or accountability.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Serwah stressed that Ghana must adopt a more serious and proactive approach to tackling the galamsey problem.
According to her, this includes not only immediate interventions but also sustainable strategies that ensure the protection of the environment and the well-being of affected communities.
As such, she emphasized that only through concrete measures and a clear plan can the government demonstrate its commitment to resolving this critical issue. “It is an existential threat”.
Awula Serwah acknowledged that some individual labor unions have expressed disagreement with Organized Labour’s decision to strike.
However, she remains hopeful that Organized Labour will stand firm in its stance despite the evident divisions within the ranks. She believes that unity is essential for effectively addressing the pressing issues surrounding galamsey and achieving meaningful change.
Serwah Criticizes Organized Labour’s Slow Response
Furthermore, Awula Serwah pointed out that Organized Labour has been slow to take action, allowing the government to employ its usual selective tactics.
She emphasized that despite the current state of affairs, the fight against galamsey must continue.
Serwah argued that the rationale for giving the government more time to address the galamsey issue is unfounded, as it has failed to take significant action during its eight years in power.
She called for a more decisive response to the galamsey crisis, insisting that further delays are unacceptable.
“The [Organized Labour’s] press conference was on 11th September [and] organized labour gave them [the government] up to 30th September. Today is the 9th of October if there was any seriousness, you [the government] would have taken these measures. Why are you waiting till now?
“Until now we have not been given a time frame. But as I said, Civil Society Organizations will still continue the fight in various forms. We will continue applying pressure, other groups will go on demonstration”.
Awula Serwah, Coordinator of Eco-conscious Citizens
Serwah also noted that civil society groups were aware of the possibility that the strike could be called off.
She highlighted a recent incident where a group of illegal miners, who had polluted the Asaosu stream, were arrested but later released on police bail.
She expressed her concern that these individuals were allowed to go free, enabling them to continue their illegal mining activities, which further pollute water bodies.
Serwah criticized this pattern of leniency, stressing that such actions undermine efforts to curb galamsey and protect the environment. “We contacted the regional minister [and] he did nothing”.
She lamented that while illegal miners were granted bail, protestors speaking out against galamsey were denied the same treatment.
Awula Serwa stressed that this inconsistency demonstrates a lack of genuine commitment and seriousness in tackling the galamsey issue, highlighting a bias that undermines efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the environment.
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