Health Unions Issue dire warning to Akufo-Addo to ban Galamsey

Accra, Ghana - A coalition of health unions and associations has issued a dire warning to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him to immediately ban all small-scale mining operations, legal or illegal, to prevent an impending environmental catastrophe.

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA), joined by eight other health unions and associations, sounded the alarm on Friday, citing the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the country's forest reserves, water bodies, and public health.

The joint statement, signed by over 10 health organizations, warned that Ghana is on the precipice of an environmental disaster that threatens the health, well-being, and future of its citizens if swift action is not taken.

“Therefore, we as Associations and Trade Unions in the health sector holding collective bargaining certificates on behalf of health sector employees make the following demands: The President of the Republic of Ghana should direct a total ban on small-scale mining operations with immediate effect, whether legal or illegal.”

“The government of Ghana should strengthen regulatory enforcement by resourcing the relevant security agencies to clamp down on all persons who flout this directive and prosecute them expeditiously.

“All political parties should make a public declaration and publish a duly signed document on their commitment to fight illegal and unethical mining activities in Ghana,” the statement read.

The unions and associations are:

- Ghana Medical Association (GMA)

- Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)

- Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA)

- Health Services Workers Union of Ghana (TUC)

- Medical Laboratory Professional Workers' Union (MELPWU)

- Mortuary Workers' Association of Ghana (MOWAG)

- Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists (GACRA)

- Health Accounting Staff Association (HASAG)

- Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA)

Find the full statement below.

Source: Lead News Online