Organised Labour to strike over Government's Inaction on Galamsey from October 10

Oct 1, 2024 - 21:43

Accra, Ghana - Organised Labour has declared a nationwide strike starting October 10, 2024, to protest the government's inaction against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

This decision comes after the government failed to meet the September 30 deadline set by labour groups to address the environmental and economic damage caused by galamsey.

At an emergency meeting held on October 1,2024, Organised Labour expressed frustration over the government's lack of decisive measures to curb galamsey activities, which threaten the livelihoods of many Ghanaians and harm the environment.

Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), stated in a statement that the government's failure to address their demands has left them with no choice but to take industrial action.

“Following the expiration of our deadline, and the failure of the government to meet our demands on illegal mining, Organised Labour has decided to declare a nationwide strike with effect from October 10, 2024.”

Ansah called on all workers to stay at home starting October 10, 2024, to pressure the government into taking immediate action.

The strike is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about environmental stewardship and workers' rights.

Organised Labour is mobilizing its members and the broader public to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding galamsey. The labour groups argue that the fight against illegal mining is not just a labour issue but a collective national concern.

Find the full statement below.