TUC leader applauds Organised Labour's decision to suspend galamsey strike

Accra, Ghana - October 11, 2024 - Organised Labour has defended its decision to suspend the nationwide strike against galamsey, a move that has sparked criticism from various quarters.

The strike, initially set for October 10, aimed to pressure the government to take decisive action against the environmental and social destruction caused by illegal mining.

According to Bernard Owusu, Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the suspension was not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to allow the government to address the concerns raised. 

“We sent demands to the government and the government has made some provisions. It will be prudent as right-thinking people to rescind that decision because the government has met some of our demands and we think going forward, we have given an ultimatum and the government has come back to us and we think that we can monitor what the government wants to do going forward.

“So I don’t think there is any disappointment here. I believe that we have to be even applauded.”

The decision to call off the strike was announced on October 9, just a day before it was set to commence. The strike had gained widespread support across various sectors, with many Ghanaians backing the group's call for stronger measures to combat galamsey.