GNAT insists on October 10 anti-galamsey strike despite Akufo-Addo's plea

Accra, Ghana - The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has reaffirmed its commitment to a nationwide strike against galamsey, Ghana's illegal mining epidemic, scheduled for October 10.

This decision comes despite President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's plea to Organised Labour to grant his government more time to address the issue.

In an exclusive interview with Citi News, GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah emphasized that the strike will proceed as planned. Musah stressed that the group's demands remain unchanged, including:

- Declaration of State of Emergency: A state of emergency in all mining areas
- Revoke Environmental Protection Regulations: Repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) regulations 2022
- License Withdrawal: Withdrawal of licenses granted for prospecting in forest reserves and protected areas
- Special Courts: Establishment of special courts to prosecute galamsey perpetrators 

“What’s the definition of more time, with the people dying, what will happen to them? It is for us to make a decision, it is between life and death,” he stated.

“Organised Labour, we have all agreed and that is what GNAT is standing by, we agree that there should be a state of emergency on illegal mining. [We still stand by] the decision of Organised Labour on the protest,” he added.

Source: Lead News Online